World Population Day 2024: History, Theme, and Importance

World Population Day is observed every year on 11 July to raise awareness of global population issues. The main purpose of this day is to draw attention towards the issues arising out of the rising population across the globe. India has the world’s second-largest population after China.

The World Population Day is observed with the goal of highlighting the difficulties created by overpopulation and raising awareness about how overpopulation may harm the ecosystem and progress of humanity.

India has the world’s second-largest population after China. While China contributes 18.47 % of the world’s share, India is not far behind with a 17.70 % share of the global population. Following India, the United States has a share of 4.25 % of the entire world population, according to data by Worldometer.

Importance of World Population Day

World Population Day, observed on July 11th, is a crucial observance that brings attention to the significance of population issues and their relation to development and the environment. Established by the United Nations, this day serves as a platform to highlight the challenges and opportunities that come with a growing global population.

The rapid increase in the world’s population has profound implications for human welfare and the planet. It took thousands of years for the world’s population to reach 1 billion, but in just over two centuries, it has skyrocketed to nearly 8 billion. This exponential growth raises concerns about sustainability, resource depletion, and the quality of life for future generations.

One of the primary focuses of World Population Day is to advocate for the empowerment of women and girls. Gender equality is not just a fundamental human right but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. When women and girls are given the freedom to make informed choices about their reproductive health and family planning, the benefits extend to all areas of society.

Moreover, the day emphasizes the importance of family planning, maternal health, and human rights. Access to reproductive health services ensures that pregnancies are wanted, reduces the incidence of maternal mortality, and improves the health outcomes for mothers and their children. It also plays a significant role in reducing poverty levels and achieving gender equality.

History of World Population Day

The day came about in 1989 when it was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme. It was inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on 11 July 1987, the approximate date on which the world’s population reached five billion people. The United Nations General Assembly decided to continue observing the day through its resolution 45/216 of December 1990 to enhance awareness about population issues, including their relations to the environment.

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World Population Day serves to highlight the growing problems that come with a growing global population. Overpopulation is a crucial issue, especially considering that world resources are depleting at an unsustainable rate. Awareness about the effects of overpopulation on development and nature is emphasized. The increasing population also sheds light on health problems faced by women during pregnancy and childbirth, making the need for family planning, gender equality, and maternal health more important than ever.

The theme of  World Population Day 2024

The theme for World Population Day in 2024 is particularly significant as it marks the thirtieth anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action. This year’s focus is on accelerating efforts and investments to turn the promises of the ICPD Programme of Action into reality, with a special emphasis on women’s sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as cornerstones of sustainable development.

The theme for World Population Day in 2023 is “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities.” This theme emphasizes the importance of gender equality as a critical factor in shaping a sustainable future for all.

The theme of World Population Day 2022 is “A world of 8 billion: Towards a resilient future for all – Harnessing opportunities and ensuring rights and choices for all”

The theme of World Population Day 2021 was ‘the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on fertility’. It is organised by the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

• The theme of 2017 was “Family Planning: Empowering People, Developing Nations.”
• The theme of 2016 was ‘Investing in teenage girls’.
• The theme of 2015 was “Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies”.
• The theme of 2014 was “A time to reflect on population trends and related issues” and “Investing in Young People”.
• The theme of 2013 was “Focus is on Adolescent Pregnancy”.
• The theme of 2012 was “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services”.
• The theme of 2011 was “7 Billion Actions”.
• The theme of 2010 was “Be Counted: Say What You Need”.
• The theme of 2009 was “Fight Poverty: Educate Girls”.
• The theme of 2008 was “Plan Your Family, Plan Your Future”.
• The theme of 2007 was “Men at Work”
• The theme of 2006 was “Being Young is Tough”.
• The theme of 2005 was “Equality Empowers”.
• The theme of 2004 was “ICPD at 10”.
• The theme of 2003 was “1,000,000,000 adolescents”.
• The theme of 2002 was “Poverty, Population and Development”.
• The theme of 2001 was “Population, Environment and Development”.
• The theme of 2000 was “Saving Women’s Lives”.
• The theme of 1999 was “Start the Count-up to the Day of Six Billion”.
• The theme of 1998 was “Approaching the Six Billion”.
• The theme of 1997 was “Adolescent Reproductive Health Care”.
• The theme of 1996 was “Reproductive Health and AIDS”.

How to Observe World Population Day

To observe this day, one can start by educating themselves on the subject through resources like the United Nations Population Fund. Sharing this knowledge with friends and family can help spread awareness. Additionally, participating in local events or discussions, and supporting organizations that work on population issues are effective ways to engage with this important cause.

Quick Facts about World Population

Here are quick facts about world population:

• In the next few months, the total number of people in the world tops 8 billion;
• A growing number of countries face population ageing, and roughly two-thirds of the world’s population now live in a country or area with below-replacement fertility, or fewer than 2.1 births per woman.
• 5 million – the estimated population of the world at the dawn of agriculture in 8000 B.C.
• 1800 – the year when the world population hit one billion.
• 200 – the projected number of years it will take for the population to double again.
• 2057 – the year The United Nations projects the world population to reach 10 billion.
• 31% – the percentage of the world population who are Christians.
• 23% – the percentage of the world population who are Muslims.
• 90 billion tons – the number of resources extracted from Earth every year.

World Population Day Observation Dates

World Population Day, celebrated on July 11th, to raise awareness of global population issues.

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