UNITED NATIONS, May 3 (Xinhua) -- The world population is expected to hit the 7-billion mark on Oct. 31, 2011, according to a report released on Tuesday by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
"A world of 7 billion is both a challenge and an opportunity," Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), said in a statement.
"The population projections underscore the urgent need to provide safe and effective family planning to the 215 million women who lack it. Small variations in fertility -- when multiplied across countries and over time -- make a world of difference," he said.
Meanwhile, the DESA report expects the global population to reach 10.1 billion in the next 90 years if fertility in all countries converges to replacement levels.
"We must invest the resources to enable women and men to have the means to exercise their human right to determine the number and spacing of their children," said Osotimehin.
UNFPA will kick off a series of activities related to the population milestone of 7 billion people on World Population Day, on July 11. At that time, UNFPA and several partners, including National Geographic, will launch a social media campaign to engage individuals and groups on different issues related to a world of 7 billion. These will include urbanization, women's empowerment and environmental sustainability.
UNFPA is also planning a 7-day countdown, starting on Oct. 24 -- United Nations Day, and leading up to the birth of the 7 billionth baby a week later.
UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.
"A world of 7 billion is both a challenge and an opportunity," Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), said in a statement.
"The population projections underscore the urgent need to provide safe and effective family planning to the 215 million women who lack it. Small variations in fertility -- when multiplied across countries and over time -- make a world of difference," he said.
Meanwhile, the DESA report expects the global population to reach 10.1 billion in the next 90 years if fertility in all countries converges to replacement levels.
"We must invest the resources to enable women and men to have the means to exercise their human right to determine the number and spacing of their children," said Osotimehin.
UNFPA will kick off a series of activities related to the population milestone of 7 billion people on World Population Day, on July 11. At that time, UNFPA and several partners, including National Geographic, will launch a social media campaign to engage individuals and groups on different issues related to a world of 7 billion. These will include urbanization, women's empowerment and environmental sustainability.
UNFPA is also planning a 7-day countdown, starting on Oct. 24 -- United Nations Day, and leading up to the birth of the 7 billionth baby a week later.
UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.
