Global (Commonwealth Union) – Each year, on July 11th, the world observes World Population Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about global population issues. Established by the United Nations in 1989, this annual event aims to highlight the importance of population issues and their impact on various aspects of our lives. It serves as a platform to encourage dialogue, foster understanding, and promote action towards creating a sustainable future for all.
The world’s population is estimated to be at 8 billion in 2023. World Population Day initially raised concerns in regards to overpopulation and the strain on natural resources however in the last decade an extremely low birth rate in most parts of the world had prompted a serious reevaluation of population control particularly in North America, Europe, Russia, and East Asia, which have prompted the governments of these countries to provide incentives for couples to have more children as a rapid decline in youth and a rapid growth of senior citizens can result in a decline in productivity which is harmful for a nation’s economy.
The population does however continue to grow in most parts of Africa and the Middle East yet at a lower rate than in the 1970s and 1980s. Much of South Asia has seen stability in population with the average birth rate per woman close to 2, with the exceptions of Pakistan and Afghanistan which are well above the average of 3.5 births per woman.
A critical aspect of World Population Day is addressing the needs and challenges faced by vulnerable populations. In many parts of the world, marginalized groups, such as refugees, migrants, and indigenous communities, face unique difficulties related to population issues. Ensuring their inclusion, protecting their rights, and providing them with necessary support is essential for a more equitable and sustainable world.
In recent year we saw China shift from a decades long policy of the 1 child policy to 2 Children and more recently permitting couples to have 3 children which saw limited success however it took a hit as with most parts in the world due to the recent pandemic that saw the birth rate further decline.
With many countries particularly in global North and East Asia seeing a rapid decline in populations with rapidly aging populations and low birth rates, a complete revaluation in now needed on World population day.
