Date: Thursday, 27 October 2011
Event: The State of World Population 2011 Media Session
Subject: Additional Investments in Youth Needed as World Population Tops 7 Billion, States UNFPA Report
Venue: Melia Hotel, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
- Representatives from government organizations and the media,
- Fellow UN Colleagues,
- Ladies and gentlemen,
I am very pleased to be here together with my colleagues from the UN family in Viet Nam to launch UNFPA’s flagship State of World Population report 2011.
As you are aware, we are approaching the historic day when the world population reaches 7 billion on 31 October 2011 – a billion more than only 13 years ago and 6 billion more than the early 1800s. When we look at the big number, we usually ask questions like “How did we become so many? How large a number can our Earth sustain?” These are important questions, but we should also ask ourselves “What can I do to make our world a better place?” or “How do we close the gaps between rich and poor and rectify inequality between women and men and boys and girls?” Today, we are 7 billion, each with our own distinct possibilities. Together, we can translate possibilities into action to make life better for everyone in the future.
Whether we can live together in future on a healthy planet will depend on the choices that we make now. As the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director said in the foreword of the report we are launching today: “We all have a stake in the future of humanity. Every individual, every government, every business, is more interconnected and interdependent than ever, so what each of us does now will matter to all of us into the future. Together we can change and improve the world,”
Ladies and gentlemen,
The 7 billion milestone is a challenge, it is an opportunity and it is a call to action. Let me briefly explain why.
Firstly, 7 billion is a challenge. We have gained tremendous ground in human development but there are still huge disparities between rich and poor and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity, water shortages and weather related disasters. Here in Viet Nam, while poverty rates have consistently fallen below 14 per cent, poverty reduction among certain vulnerable groups, such as ethnic minorities, including women and girls, has been much slower. Reducing inequities and improving living standards for people alive today – as well as for generations to follow are key challenges that must be faced, and must be faced now.
Secondly, 7 billion is an opportunity. Viet Nam has entered a period known as the "demographic bonus", recording the highest proportional level of young people who are entering the workforce in Viet Nam’s history. Today, young people between 10 to 24 years represent almost a third of the total population. While this demographic window is open, Viet Nam has an opportunity to take advantage of this tremendous resource by ensuring that every young person has access to the basic social services, education and training, so that they are well prepared to make a significant contribution to Viet Nam continued socio-economic growth and development.
Finally, 7 billion is a call to action. Reducing inequities and improving living standards for people alive today – as well as for generations to follow – will require new ways of thinking and unparalleled global, regional, national, community and household cooperation. The moment to act is now. Working together, incremental actions will create exponential results. We must look around us now, today, to see what we can do, at home, in our communities and in our work, to reduce inequity, and reach out to the vulnerable and those who are less fortunate. We must look for ways to act now.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The State of World Population 2011, entitled “People and Possibilities in a World of 7 Billion” shows that the challenges ahead are formidable. It contains snapshots from nine countries, where ordinary people, national demographic experts, and policymakers talk about the challenges they face and how they are confronting them.
The report shows some remarkable trends. The good news is, people are living longer. Today's average life span is 68 years, compared to 48 in 1950. However, with 893 million people 60 or older today, we can now estimated that by the middle of this century this number will nearly triple, to reach 2.4 billion.
And there are more young people as well. People under the age of 25 already make up 43 per cent of the world’s population, reaching as much as 60 per cent in some countries.
Another very important trend is that about one in two people now lives in an urban area and in 35 years, that number will increase by 50 per cent... two third of all humanity will live in an urban setting.
Against this background, the report makes the case for evidence based policy dialogue, and strategic planning to address the implications of each of these trends. The report also underscores the importance of a participatory approach to policy dialogue and strategic planning. By engaging the most vulnerable populations, we can foster sustainable cities that serve as catalysts for progress, productive labor forces that engage young people with productive livelihoods, and that in turn fuel economic growth, and a generation of healthy older people who are actively engaged in the social and economic affairs of their communities.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today I am very pleased to be here with my UN colleagues who in a moment will share with you their specific perspectives on the issues that relate to opportunities and challenges of 7 billion in the Vietnamese context. They will speak to you about issues related to 7 key topics of 7 billion, including on poverty and equality, women and girls, young people, reproductive health and rights, environment, ageing and urbanisation.
And one last announcement before opening the floor to my colleagues to share their views. Let me bring your attention to the gala night on “The World at 7 Billion – Counting on Each Other” co-organized by the Ministry of Health and the United Nations in Viet Nam this evening. 7 Billion Actions is connecting people and creating positive change through the universal language of music.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Government of Viet Nam, especially the Ministry of Health, for great collaboration in planning and implementing several activities related to the population milestone of 7 billion people.
And now let me finish, by recommending to each of you to study this State of World Population Report 2011 and seek your assistance in disseminating the key messages of this report as widely as possible As media, you play a key role in getting the message out. We face challenges, we see opportunities, and each and every one of us can take action in our own lives.
Thank you very much for your attention and participation. I look forward to discussing with you further during the panel discussion.
-ends-
Also see:
- Please click here to watch the “United” song by Vietnamese singers
- Media release: Additional Investments in Youth Needed as World Population Tops 7 Billion, States UNFPA Report
For further information, please contact:
- Ms Nguyen Thi Hong Thanh | One UN Communications | Tel: (84-4) 3822 4383 – Ext: 117 | Mob: 0913 093363 |Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
