Acting President and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing looks into the exhibits displayed at yesterday’s event in Nay Pyi Taw.
The 2024 Population Census Report serves as a vital roadmap for formulating effective policies that drive Myanmar’s sustainable development.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted that the country can reap the benefits of its demographic dividend in the future by investing effectively in today’s youth.
A ceremony to release the Union report on population and household census 2024 was held at the Myanmar International Convention Centre I (MICC I) in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, with an address by Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Speaking on the occasion, the Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and SSPC Chairman delivered a speech, saying that the completeness of a country’s demographic data reflects, in an indirect yet significant way, the level of its development, the quality of its governance, and the stability of its political situation.
He noted that a population census provides the essential data needed for balanced and sector-wise development in the social, economic, and administrative aspects of a country.
He added that the 2024 population census report is important as a roadmap that can be effectively used to formulate policies for the development of Myanmar.
He unveiled that by investing effectively in today’s youth, the country can reap the benefits of its demographic dividend in the future. Conversely, neglecting the younger generation may increase the demographic burden, reduce social stability and peace, and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to a demographic disaster.
The Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and SSPC Chairman underlined that accurate and reliable population data are essential for assessing the nation’s current situation and planning its future development, and according to the United Nations recommendations and best international practices, a population census needs to be conducted once every ten years.
He continued that after the population census was conducted in October 2024, a preliminary population report was first released on 31 December 2024, so that basic data could be immediately used for national planning purposes.
He said that these reports include chapters on population data, migration, education, the labour force, disability, housing conditions, births, and deaths. They are expected to bring numerous benefits to the country and will also serve as valuable resources for programmes related to national security, the rule of law, and poverty reduction.
He emphasized that the 2024 population census data stated that the country’s population had slightly declined for the first time in decades. This presents a challenge due to falling birth rates, increased migration, and changes in family structures, but it can also be seen as an opportunity.
He stressed that since overseas migration is influenced by the country’s socioeconomic conditions, political stability, domestic employment opportunities, and the economic development of neighbouring countries, plans and policies must be implemented to guide the nation toward long-term sustainable development.
He underscored that the population figures from the current census are also helping to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the voter lists, which form the essential foundation for the successful conduct of the upcoming multiparty democratic general election on 28 December.
He pointed out that by identifying the population according to educational attainment, occupation, and living arrangements, the census provides a fundamental resource that can support the formulation and implementation of necessary policies. It also enables the training and development of the required workforce.
He guided that, based on the labour requirements of public, private, and domestic and foreign investment enterprises, the census data can also provide essential information for estimating annual university admissions and enrolment in vocational and educational institutions.
The Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and SSPC Chairman pointed out that, by linking educational and workforce data and expanding vocational training schools, a skilled labour force can be cultivated, and employment opportunities can be created. Similarly, the census data can provide the necessary information to support social welfare programmes, elderly care, and the registration and assistance of persons with disabilities.
He instructed that a population census serves as a fundamental pillar for a country’s governance and development. For planners and policymakers, census data are the lifeblood of a reliable nation, enabling them to effectively implement programmes such as improving educational outcomes, enhancing healthcare services, creating employment opportunities, and expanding social welfare activities.
Chairman of the Central Census Commission, Union Minister for Immigration and Population, U Myint Kyaing, presented a brief report on the census outcomes. A documentary video clip on conducting the census process was screened.
The Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and SSPC Chairman had documentary photos taken together with attendees.
He visited the exhibition to mark the release of the Union report on the population and household census 2024.
Also, present at the ceremony were Commission Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Commission member and Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, Commission Secretary and Joint Executive Chief General Ye Win Oo, commission members, Union ministers, Union-level dignitaries, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, region and state chief ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, deputy ministers, officials from the foreign embassies and international organizations, chairmen and officials from the political parties and associations, and officials. — MNA/TTA
Salient points from the speech delivered by the Senior General at the ceremony of releasing the Union census report
- The population figures from the current census are also helping to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the voter lists, which form the essential foundation for the successful conduct of the upcoming multiparty democratic general election on 28 December.
- Census data are the lifeblood of a reliable nation, enabling it to effectively implement programmes for planners and policymakers.
- Neglecting the younger generation may increase the demographic burden, reduce social stability and peace, and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to a demographic disaster.
Acting President and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing speaks on the occasion of the release of the Union Report on the Population and Household Census 2024 yesterday.
