As the world population reaches eight billion, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has emphasised on the need for appropriate investments to properly harness population potentials.
The Deputy Country Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Erica Godson stated this at the global commemoration of the world population reaching 8 billion in Abuja.
According to Godson, to harness the potentials of eight billion people in combating the world’s most pressing challenges such as climate change, conflict, violence, displacement and discrimination, “everyone must be given the fundamental human rights, that includes bodily autonomy, the freedom to decide about our bodies, lives and futures. The world cannot move forward by holding anyone back. Possibility and opportunity should not be privileges”, she said.
Godson further stressed that focusing on numbers alone distracts people from the real challenge faced.
“Securing a world where all eight billion of us enjoy a good quality of life. Making informed decisions on sexual and reproductive health and rights, employment, education and social and economic development is important”.
She maintained that no demographic trend is solely bad or good adding that building demographic resilience is critical to sustainable development.
“The importance of having reliable data to plan public infrastructures, programs and health care. And, of course, women’s and girls’ reproductive health and rights are key to ensuring societies thrive amid demographic changes. Without rights and choices, our health suffers, our dignity disintegrates, our potential lies dormant, our contributions never materialize, and our lives shrink”.
She added that “possibility and opportunity should not be privileges. We focus on numbers and numbers matter so that governments and societies can develop infrastructure and provide services that accurately reflect their people and address their needs”, she added
On the 15th of November, the world mark a major milestone as the world population reaches eight billion.
Asia and Africa contributed much of that growth and is expected to drive the next billion in 2037, while Europe’s contribution will be negative due to its declining population.
India, the largest contributor to the eight billion (177 million), will surpass China.
