Global population report

People and Possibilities in a World of 7 Billion

Published by: The United Nations Population Fund

In a few days, world population will reach 7 billion amidst global challenges such as inequalities, environmental declines and economic crises.

Cover page of The State of World Population 2011 report/ Photo credit: UNFPA

To acknowledge these challenges and opportunities within, UNFPA launched The State of World Population 2011 report - People and Possibilities in a World of 7 Billion.

The report which is being launched in 100 cities worldwide sees 7 billion milestone as a challenge as well as an opportunity. The countries covered by the report are China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, India, Mexico, Mozambique, Nigeria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

“With planning and the right investments in people now – to empower them to make choices that are not only good for themselves, but also for our global commons – our world of 7 billion can have thriving sustainable cities, productive labour forces that fuel economies, and youth populations that contribute to the well-being of their societies,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin in the foreword of the report.

Boosting opportunities while minimizing the dangers and difficulties are the main challenges of development in today’s urban transitions, points out the report.

The report further says that if the governments want to eradicate poverty then they should provide services, supplies, information that women need to exercise their reproductive rights.

Ample consideration should be given to sexuality education. Sexuality education helps in promoting health and prevents sexually transmitted infections including HIV. It also helps in preventing unwanted pregnancies among young people and promotes equitable gender norms that will lead to empowerment of young women.

Recommendations:

Reducing poverty and inequality can slow population growth.

Unleashing the power of women and girls can accelerate progress on all fronts.

Energetic and open to new technologies, young people can transform global politics and culture.

Ensuring that every child is wanted and every child birth safe can lead to smaller and stronger families.

Each of us depends on a healthy planet, so we must all help protect the environment. Promoting the health and productivity of the world’s older people can mitigate the challenges faced by ageing societies.

The next 2 billion people will live in cities, so we must plan for them now.

This report was produced by the Information and External Relations Division of UNFPA. (United Nations Fund for Population Activities, now United Nations Population Fund)