WorldPop’s Dr Sarchil Qader joined international experts to develop a roadmap for the 2027 Palestine Population and Housing Census in early July. During the consultative workshop in Amman, Jordan organised by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the mission focused on delivering accurate and contemporary data vital for national recovery and humanitarian planning.
The workshop explored how high-resolution geospatial technologies can support census implementation in conflict-affected environments. Earth observation, satellite imagery, and machine learning offer powerful capabilities for detecting settlement change. These tools also support mapping populations in areas that may be difficult or impossible to access.
Dr Qader, comments: “Full enumeration should remain the primary objective of the next Palestine Census wherever it is feasible. While geospatial modelling and statistical estimation are invaluable tools, they cannot fully capture the realities of communities affected by profound loss and displacement”.
A comprehensive census is fundamental for equitable service delivery and evidence-based planning. Direct engagement with communities is necessary to understand the circumstances of vulnerable populations, including orphans, single-parent households, and persons with disabilities. This approach ensures that no one is left behind during the recovery process.
The collaborative effort brought together specialists in demography, official statistics, and humanitarian data. Dr Qader expressed appreciation for the leadership of Joan Jubran, Monitoring & Evaluation Analyst, Palestinian Authority and Nestor Owomuhangi, UNFPA Country Representative, alongside the entire teams at UNFPA and PCBS, for their commitment to this essential national endeavour.
