World Population Day 2022: History, theme and significance

World Population Day is observed every year on July 11 to raise awareness about global population issues. Overpopulation has become a major concern as global resources are being used up at an unsustainable rate.

The world population statistics reached 5 billion on July 11, 1987. World Population Day was subsequently created in 1989 by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme. In December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly recognised the day by adopting resolution 45/26, which sought to raise awareness of the population's growth as well as related issues, such as equality, fundamental rights, poverty, development, and the environment.

Additionally, the need to guarantee that people have access to family planning, gender equality, and maternal health care is equally important. The aim of this day is to raise awareness of all the negative impacts that population growth has had on the steady development of nature.

The day is celebrated by conducting seminars, discussions, educational sessions, slogans, workshops, debates, songs, and more.

The theme for this year is "A world of 8 billion: Towards a resilient future for all- Harnessing opportunities and ensuring rights and choices for all." The theme suggests that the 8 billion people living today don't have equal rights and opportunities.

Many individuals still experience discrimination, violence based on gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, disability, country of origin and others. Because of the overpopulation, gender inequality and human rights violations are very common in emerging countries.

Published on: Monday, July 11, 2022, 11:11 AM IST