It is a great honour and privilege for me to welcome you all to the 2019 National Planners Seminar. Let me express my profound gratitude to be hosting planners from all cadres at such a momentous occasion. The presence of other stakeholders from non-governmental organizations and private entities amongst us makes the whole event a great success. This forum accords us another opportunity to reflect, interact and share ideas pertaining to the development agenda in order to meet sustainable development goals. It goes without saying that, today’s challenges need that time and again we assemble as players in the planning fraternity and chart the way forward regarding our development path. I am reliably informed that it was resolved in last year’s Planners Seminar that this important event will be held annually in a bid to accelerate efforts to reach a common goal of developing our nation through continued engagement. Let me hasten to mention that in preparation for this year’s event we partnered with the Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA), Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services and Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. It is also worthy to note that Non-governmental actors and the private sector will…