MASERU - The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) review report comes at an opportune time when Lesotho is in a process of developing her National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) II according to the ministry of planning. The Ministry of Development and Planning Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS) Mrs. 'Makhoabane Lelimo said this when officially opening ICPD review and stakeholders validation meeting in Maseru on Wednesday May 9. She said that the review report on AADPD highlighted the sustainable development efforts, gains, achievements, gaps, challenges, innovative policies, strategies and programmes that facilitate the fulfilment of the declaration commitments. She expressed a hope that recommendations made in the declaration review report will assist the country in realising the goals set out in the NSDP II, especially goals on supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth and private sector led job creation and also building robust human capital. Mrs. Lelimo said the country must ensure that its policy making processes enhance preparedness, agility and flexibility, thus, boost its resilience. She added that they need to ensure that their data is of highest quality which will help them make informed policies and plans. In her welcome remarks, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative to Lesotho Ms. Nuzhat Ehsan said the aim of this national review processes and national report is to review progress on Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development (AADPD). She said that at this meeting, they would identify gaps and challenges, and ultimately advance advocacy and policy change in order to achieve national development objectives and priorities in line with commitments reflected in the AADPD. She pointed out that the key findings will also provide a particular focus on achieving the demographic dividend and addressing the needs of population groups left behind in indicators that cut across the six AADPD pillars. Mr. Ehsan pointed out that those pillars include dignity and equality, health, place and mobility, governance, data and statistics as well as partnerships and cooperation. The overall aim of the national AADPD plus five review is to carry-out an in-country assessment of progress achieved regarding the implementation of this declaration over this period. The report will ultimately advance advocacy and policy changes needed to achieve national objectives and priorities in line with commitments set-out in this AADPD. Lena