On 11th January 2019, H.E Dr. Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister; H.E Pema Gyamtsho (PhD), Opposition Leader and H.E Sherab Gyeltshen, Home Minister launched the National Population projections of Bhutan (2017-47) and District population Projections (2017-47) based on the National Housing and Population Census 2017. Members of parliaments, UN agencies, bilateral agencies, NCWC, GNHC, Medias, district planning officers, and block level administrative officers attended the launch from 17 districts.

The importance of availability of population projections at both national and district level,  disaggregated by sex and age as key statistical data for planning and policy formulation was highlighted in both the speeches by the Prime Minister and the Director of National Statistics Bureau.   

“I am grateful and congratulate NSB for conducting, not the first but the most professional population and housing census. And now we will take cue from here, we will make sure every word that is presented here and every word that is there in the book we use it for and to the best " Dr. Lotey Tshering, Prime Minister of Bhutan .

“It is one of the main statistical data that provides an estimate of future population, which is critical for planning and policy formulation”.  Mr. Chimi Tshering, Director of National Statistics Bureau

The population projection reports also featured as front page headline and in the editorial column of the Kuensel (national new paper), January 12, 2019 edition and was aired by Bhutan Broadcasting Service (National Television).  

UNFPA was acknowledges and recognized for technical and financial support in preparing these population projection reports.