World Population Day, or International Population Day, is celebrated on July 11. It aims to raise awareness about global population issues and educate people about family planning, gender equality, and reproductive health. This day was established by the United Nations in 1989 and commemorates the “Day of Five Billion” when the world’s population crossed the 5 billion mark.
The executive director of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Natalia Kanem on July 1, 2024,stated, “World Population Day 2024 is a moment to ask who is still going uncounted and why – and what this costs individuals, societies and our global efforts to leave no one behind. It is also a moment for all of us to commit to doing more to ensure that our data systems capture the full range of human diversity so that everyone is seen, can exercise their human rights and can reach their full potential.”
World Population Day 2024 Theme
The theme for the day changes annually and is decided by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in coordination with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The theme for this year is ‘To Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone.’
According to United Nations: “Over the past 30 years, we’ve improved how we collect and use population data, leading to better health care and rights. However, marginalized communities are still underrepresented. This World Population Day, we focus on ensuring all groups are counted and visible, highlighting the importance of inclusive data systems to advance progress for everyone. Everyone counts, and our collective progress depends on capturing the full diversity of humanity.”
World Population Day: History
The history of the World Population Day goes back to 1980s. It was on July 11, 1987, when the world population reached approximately five billion. This day brought global focus to issues related to sustainable development, resource management, and the dynamics of population expansion.
In 1989, the UNDP Governing Councilestablished the Day to be observed annually on July 11.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution 45/216 in December 1990, formally establishing the annual observance of the Day. The first World Population Day was celebrated on July 11, 1990, with participation from over 90 countries.
World Population Day: Significance
This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the issues of the global population. It also promotes reproductive health services and rights for all individuals, including access to family planning methods and education. The day also signifies the gender equality and empowerment of women. Sustainable development and global cooperation are also promoted.
World Population Day 2024: How To Celebrate
World Population Day is celebrated through various activities and initiatives aimed at raising awareness.
- Public Awareness CampaignsGovernment, NGOs, and international organisations conduct awareness campaigns to educate people about family planning, reproductive health and population issues.
- Seminars and Public lecturesEvents are held at local, national and international levels to provide a deep understanding of the underlying issue.
- Art and Cultural EventsArt exhibitions, and performances are organised to raise awareness creatively.
- Health Camps and ServicesIn several regions, particularly in underserved communities, health camps and outreach programs are organised to provide reproductive health services, family planning counselling, and maternal healthcare.
- Youth EngagementActivities are often targeted towards young people to educate them better about their rights, responsibilities and the choices they can make on their own bodies.
World Population Day QUOTES
- “The power of population is indefinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man.” – Thomas Malthus
- “Family planning could bring more benefits to more people at less cost than any other single technology now available to the human race.” – John Bongaarts
- “There are no passengers on spaceship Earth. We are all crew.” – Marshall McLuhan
- “Reproductive freedom is critical to a whole range of issues. If we can’t take charge of this most personal aspect of our lives, we can’t take care of anything. It should not be seen as a privilege or as a benefit, but a fundamental human right.” – Faye Wattleton
- “Overpopulation leads to increased poverty and to increased ignorance. In order to fight overpopulation, we must educate all the children of the world, which is why we are promoting birth control. With birth control, you can have a healthier family and a healthier planet.” – Anne Lamott
- By improving health, empowering women, population growth comes down.” – Bill Gates
- “The whole of the global economy is based on supplying the cravings of two per cent of the world’s population.”-Bill Bryson
- “You cannot control your own population by force, but it can be distracted by consumption.”-Noam Chomsky.
