World Population Day 2023 (July 11): Theme, History & Facts

World Population Day 2023: In 2011, there were 7 billion people on earth. The number will increase to 8 billion this year, which will prompt an array of responses. Over the years health advancements have resulted in longer life spans, reduced maternal and child mortality, as well as, on-time vaccination. The ease of living is widespread thanks to technological advancements. Not to forget, the state of gender equality has also progressed but unfortunately, the progress, itself, is unequal in different parts of the world. Moreover, challenges such as climate change, violence, and discrimination pose a great threat. Due to various reasons, millions of people are displaced forcibly. This article will explain why the increasing population is not a positive sign.

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• Almost half of all pregnancies in the world are unintended, according to UNFPA’s State of World Population report for 2022. 
• As a result of unwanted pregnancies, there is gender-based violence, a reduction in access to reproductive health services in conflict settings, and an increase in the risk of unsafe abortions. 
• For generations to come, these trends will have far-reaching consequences.

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World Population Day Theme 2023

The theme of World Population Day 2023 focuses on how to safeguard the health and rights of women and girls; and putting the brakes on COVID-19.

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An ideal world for 8 billion people is one where 8 billion people have access to rights and choices that empower them to live healthier lives. However, there is no level playing field and it has never been. 

The discrimination, harassment, and violence faced by too many people is still based on their gender, ethnicity, class, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and origin. Leaving those behind doesn’t do us any favors.

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Why Do We Observe World Population Day?

A growing global population creates growing problems, which is why Population Day is celebrated annually. In light of the fact that the world’s resources are depleting at an unsustainable rate, overpopulation is a crucial issue. It is important to become aware of the effects of overpopulation on the environment and development. 

Due to the growing population, problems related to maternal health and family planning are becoming more apparent, making it more imperative than ever to ensure that women have access to family planning, gender equality, and maternal health services. 

In developing countries, gender inequality and human rights crimes are more prevalent than ever due to the population issue. 

Celebrating International population day has the following objectives:

• The celebration is aimed at protecting and empowering youths of both genders.
• Educate them on sexuality in detail and delay marriage until they learn their responsibilities.
• Use reasonable and youth-friendly measures to prevent unwanted pregnancies among youth.
• Educate people to overcome gender stereotypes in society.
• Inform the public about pregnancy-related illnesses so that they are aware of the dangers of early childbirth.
• To prevent various infections, teach them about STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
• Ensure that every girl and every boy has access to equal primary education.
• As part of basic primary health, every couple should have easy access to reproductive health services.

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History of World Population Day

In 1987, Five Billion Day commemorated the date on which the world’s population topped five billion people, which supposedly occurred on July 11 that year (hence the annual date of Population Day). Since then, the population has increased tremendously! Family planning, gender equality, environmental impact, and human rights concerns are all included in population issues. 

The Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme – UNDP established World Population Day in 1989. It was inspired by the public interest in celebrating ‘Five Billion Day’ on July 11, 1987. A resolution 45/216 of the United Nations General Assembly declared this date as ‘World Population Day’ in December 1990.

How to Celebrate World Population Day?

There are numerous countries and organizations participating in this international event and drawing attention to major issues relating to the world population. Seminars, discussions, educational sessions, public contests, slogans, workshops, debates, songs, and other activities are planned for this day. Additionally, radio, television, and news channels all broadcast programs related to family planning and population.

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