The task ahead in all countries would be to follow a development path that promotes equality and it becomes of vital importance to human development as the World population will reach seven billion this year, said the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) report on state of world population in 2011, ‘People and Possibilities in a World of 7 Billion’, released on Wednesday. “The world population will reach 7 billion soon this year. How we respond now will determine whether we have a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future or one that is marked by inequalities, environmental decline and economic setbacks,” according to the report launched by UNFPA. The 2011 report is entitled ‘People and Possibilities in a World of 7 Billion’ contained snapshots from nine countries, where ordinary people, national population experts, and policymakers talked about the diverse and formidable challenges they faced and how they were confronting them.
“If I can say it in another way, it looks at population and development issues such as poverty and inequality, urbanisation, ageing, the environment, young people, and women’s empowerment, from the perspective of individuals like you and me. Within this complex story of trends and paradoxes that emerges, there are some essential global truths,” said Rabbi Royan, the UNFPA Representative in Pakistan.
A world of seven billion could be seen as a success for humanity. All over the world, people are living longer and healthier lives. Yet these positives mask great inequalities as difference between rich and poor is increasing everywhere, across and within countries and between men and women. Our task ahead in all countries is to follow a development path that promotes equality, the UNFPA said.
“Reaching a global population of seven billion is a numerical landmark, but our focus should always be on people. That is why I am pleased that the United Nations Population Fund is giving meaning to the number by launching its campaign for “7 Billion Actions” to contribute to a better world. The world of today is one of complexity and contradiction. We have enough food for everyone, yet nearly a billion go hungry. We have the means to eradicate many diseases, yet they continue to spread. We have the gift of a rich natural environment, yet it remains subjected to daily assault and exploitation. We all want peace, yet much of the world is in conflict. More than ever, individuals can make a difference by uniting together through social networks and working for change,” reiterated Timo Pakkala, United Nations Resident Coordinator.
Addressing the occasion, acting secretary of the Planning and Development Division, Chaudhry Muhammad Azam said, “We all need to join hands for spreading the message of birth-spacing and small family norms, among the communities, especially marginalised groups, women, youth, and under-served communities in Pakistan.” “Today we have to resolve, that in future, we will make all efforts to ensure ‘door step services’ of Reproductive Health and Family Planning to the clients, in every nook and corner of the country,” Azam said.
