Esri and UNFPA Renew Strategic Partnership to Strengthen 2030 Census Efforts
Esri, the global leader in location intelligence, today announced the extension of its strategic partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support the 2030 Census cycle. This renewed collaboration builds on the success of the 2020 Census, aiming to integrate geographic information systems (GIS) technology across all phases of census operations. By embedding GIS into the census workflow, national statistics offices can now access more reliable location-based data and adopt faster, more efficient methods for planning, collecting, analyzing, and disseminating population information.
“National census projects often require mapping an entire country,” said Linda Peters, global business development manager at Esri. “GIS now plays a crucial role at every stage of a census, from planning enumeration areas to data collection and visualization. However, for many national statistical offices, this approach is relatively new. We are delighted to provide the technical support, resources, and training required to make this large-scale, authoritative data collection process successful.”
Census data underpins critical decisions that affect communities and nations. By integrating location intelligence, policymakers and public service planners can more accurately identify population trends, resource gaps, and infrastructure needs. For instance, census insights can inform decisions about where to build new schools, prioritize healthcare facilities for older populations, or allocate resources for essential public services such as transportation, sanitation, and emergency response. Esri’s GIS tools help governments visualize this data spatially, allowing for more precise decision-making and improved outcomes for communities worldwide.
The partnership between Esri and UNFPA reflects a shared commitment to leveraging advanced technology to enhance global census operations. Esri has a long-standing history of supporting national statistical offices in integrating statistical data with geospatial analysis. During the 2020 Census cycle, UNFPA utilized Esri technology to create the COVID-19 Population Vulnerability Dashboard. This interactive, GIS-powered tool provided public health officials, policymakers, and the general public with real-time insights into populations most vulnerable to the pandemic. The dashboard played a critical role in guiding preparedness and response efforts, highlighting the practical benefits of combining geospatial intelligence with population statistics.
The extension of this strategic partnership is particularly significant for countries facing financial and logistical challenges in conducting comprehensive censuses. Conducting a national census is a complex and resource-intensive process that requires careful planning, reliable tools, and sufficient funding. By combining Esri’s technical expertise and GIS technology with UNFPA’s financial and programmatic support, nations are better equipped to produce accurate and timely census data. Such data is indispensable for effective national planning, sustainable development, and the equitable distribution of resources.
During the previous census cycle, Esri supported over 45 countries through its grant program, enabling them to implement GIS-based solutions for population mapping, enumeration, and data visualization. UNFPA provided financial assistance for approximately half of these countries, demonstrating the power of international collaboration to overcome obstacles to accurate data collection. Through this renewed partnership, Esri and UNFPA aim to expand the reach and impact of these programs, ensuring that all participating nations, regardless of resources or capacity, have access to modern tools and training to carry out successful censuses.
By strengthening the integration of GIS into national census workflows, Esri and UNFPA are helping countries meet the evolving demands of data-driven governance. Accurate population data not only informs government planning but also strengthens accountability, transparency, and policy effectiveness. It ensures that resources are directed where they are most needed, supporting initiatives from health and education to economic development and social welfare.
“Accurate census data is the foundation for sustainable development and effective governance,” said Peters. “Our continued partnership with UNFPA ensures that countries have access to the latest GIS technology and expertise, helping them map populations more accurately, analyze trends more effectively, and make better-informed decisions that improve lives.”
As countries prepare for the 2030 Census, the collaboration between Esri and UNFPA highlights the importance of innovation, technology, and global cooperation in modern census operations. By equipping national statistical offices with advanced GIS tools, financial support, and technical guidance, this partnership sets a new standard for how population data is collected, analyzed, and applied to shape better communities worldwide.
