1. Protecting your data and core systems Discussion panel
SPC and World Bank

2. Current Scenario
Many Pacific civil registration systems are fragile – things work well when everything is going well, but services may be at risk from natural disasters, emergencies, or other disruptions to operations.
Nearly all countries have had experiences of lost records or have historical records – used to validate IDs and re-issue documents – which are at risk
Many countries using manual back-ups and on-site back-up
Systems are historically very good at data in – but less so for data out.
Sustainability of systems (esp. self built systems) remains a concern
Heard yesterday the importance of CRVS for planning and official statistics, and today the importance of being able to scale up for document replacement and new events.

3. Elements of a robust system
A robust national CRVS systems is one that can:
Protect and access existing data in the event of a disaster or emergency
Scale up without having to create duplicate systems or records
Validity – how do you make sure you don’t end up with duplications and that the documents issued are trusted beyond the emergency

4. existing systems Routine procedures and documentation
IT systems that are flexible… ability to work off line/ link to national data set and mobile enough to get into the field…. Must be able to take the IT to where registration is needed.
Capacity to work with and adapt the system is retained…….
Any system MUST plan for (and budget for) sustainability - internal or contracted support
Common standards and structures mean that we could consider capacity at the regional level vs national level.
Regional best practice guidelines for legislation and IT systems
Possible developments of open source systems
HIS systems in the region – Medtech and DHIS
Systems in place to ensure validity and confidentiality provisions are protected in an emergency while providing required data.
Limited reliance on families to transfer and move data…
Validity – how do you make sure you don’t end up with duplications and that the documents issued are trusted beyond the emergency

5. Data protection and recovery
Data protection – off site & recoverable
If you have this – would you have to pay to access it?
How much is paper copy only?
Common systems may create opportunities for:
Back up
Sharing of equipment and even human resources
Validity – how do you make sure you don’t end up with duplications and that the documents issued are trusted beyond the emergency

6. Digital Identities
Estimated 1.1 billion people around the world without proof of their identity.
SDG target 16.9 on legal identity for all,
Providing a unique digital identity to everybody can be a powerful tool to eliminate poverty and to empower individuals with rights and access to services.
Likewise, the ecosystems around the delivery and authentication of those digital unique identities can transform economies and how Governments and the private sector deliver services
Advances in technology have created opportunities for more developing countries to introduce digital identification systems at a scale, speed and reduced cost like never before.
World Bank, is building on the existing work in the region on CR, to support Tonga and soon Samoa to build national ID systems.
A secure digital identity provides a mechanism for accessing services and building systems that can withstand disasters/ emergemcies
The realization of robust, inclusive and responsible digital identification systems for rights and service delivery is a high priority for the World Bank.
When Thailand wanted to introduce universal health insurance in 2002, they decided to build the underlying database and administration system on top of the national ID system, which at that time had universal coverage. This allowed Thailand to jump from 75% coverage of health insurance to 98% within two years. National ID numbers are issued at the time of birth registration, so a newborn is enrolled immediately into a health insurance scheme, which contributed to the reduction of infant mortality rates especially amongst the poor. .
In Pakistan’s Benazir Income Support Programme, which provides cash transfers to the female head of the poorest households, the introduction of biometric verification has guaranteed that the intended beneficiary receives the funds, and not their husband, brother, uncle or whoever else. This has led to a clear increase in household spending on healthcare and education of children.

7. National ID systems
To realize the maximum benefits of national ID systems, they need to be foundational, multi-purpose and built on civil registration.
they need to act essentially as a single source of truth of each individual, which is achieved through ensuring the uniqueness of each identity.
Other systems – whether they be voter registries, social registries or taxpayer registries – should draw on the same core information from the national ID system. Including adoption of a primary unique ID number that allows information systems – to talk to each other using the number as the key.
National ID systems to be seamlessly linked with birth and death registration, starting with the issuance of a primary unique ID number at birth.
within a framework of responsible privacy and data protection safeguards –
It is critical – and in line with international best practices –
The sustainability, quality and coverage of any national ID system depends on being able to capture people as they are born – and as they migrate – and to know when people die or leave the country permanently. This way, the national ID system can also help to produce voter lists.

8. ID4D Importance of cross-sectoral approaches
World Bank Group launched ID4D in 2014.
ID4D brings together 10 different arms of the Group to holistically help countries realize foundational digital ID systems built on civil registration, with activities across three streams:
Country and regional engagement
Thought leadership and research
Global convening and advocacy
Today, ID4D is engaged in over 25 countries, including Tanzania, and we have active digital identification and civil registration projects in 12 countries worth over $500 million.
The program also works closely with international development partners such as UNESCAP, UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM, USP, and the BAG partners.