fertility, mortality, migration and the total population. Experts emphasized the contribution of the analytical work of the Division on population ageing and suggested creative ways that the Division could enhance its support to Governments concerning population policies. In the interactive discussion, delegations called for the subnational disaggregation of data, as well as increased emphasis on investment in youth and on helping countries track and respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. One speaker encouraged the Division to expand its consideration of data from new and alternative sources and to strengthen linkages to organizations providing such data. In their statements during the general debate, delegations underscored their commitment to implementing the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They pointed to the relevance of the theme of the fifty fourth session, “Population, food security, nutrition and sustainable development”, to the upcoming Food Systems Summit and the high-level political forum. Several statements also pointed to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on progress towards implementing the Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda – in particular towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals and targets related to poverty, hunger, health, education and gender equality. To address the impacts of the pandemic, delegations mentioned actions that included the provision of emergency food aid and food vouchers, measures to protect women against domestic violence, the provision of financial support to the most affected families and support for improved access to maternal, child and reproductive health-care services, among others. They also emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making, the continuing relevance of the Programme of Action and the role of the Commission on Population and Development in assessing the implementation of the Cairo agenda that emerged from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development as well as the 2030 Agenda. Some 239 representatives of 96 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) accredited with the Economic and Social Council registered to attend the annual session. A total of 27 written statements on behalf of individual organizations or groups of NGOs had been submitted well in advance and became documents of the session. In addition, 18 representatives of NGOs delivered oral statements from the floor. During the general debate, NGOs called on the Commission to come to a consensus on a resolution on the special theme of the fifty-fourth session, and on Member States to ensure equitable access to healthy diets and nutritious foods and to quality and inclusive education for all, and advocated for the integration of nutrition into services for family planning and reproductive health. NGOs were also consulted during the informal consultations on the draft resolution. 8/32 21-06093