World Population Day
The World Population Day is annually observed on 11th July to reaffirm the human right to plan for a family. It encourages activities, events and information to help make this right a reality throughout the world. World Population Day aims to increase people’s awareness on various population issues such as the importance of family planning, including gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights. The day is celebrated worldwide by business groups, community organizations and individuals in many ways. Activities include seminar discussions, educational information sessions and essay competitions.
In 1968 world leaders proclaimed that individuals had a basic human right to determine freely and responsibly the number and timing of their children. World Population Day was instituted in 1989 as an outgrowth of the Day of Five Billion, marked on 11 July 1987. The UN authorized the event as a vehicle to build an awareness of population issues and the impact they have on development and the environment. Since then, with the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) encouragement, governments, non-governmental organizations, institutions and individuals organize various educational activities to celebrate the annual event.
The global population is projected to reach 7 billion on 31 October this year. To engage the public in the lead-up to that day, UNFPA is launching “7 Billion Actions,” a global movement to raise awareness for the challenges and opportunities presented by a world of 7 billion, and mobilize individuals to take action in their community. Finite natural resources like water are depleting very fast and burgeoning population is likely to face acute shortage of water, food and other essentials.
