The World Population at 7 Billion

Wellington, 31st October 2011:

The New Zealand Parliamentarians' Group on Population and Development (NZPPD) marked the world's population reaching 7 billion with an event at parliament highlighting the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Friday's World at 7 Billion event, hosted by Sue Kedgley, saw the launch of two publications. Dirk Jena, Director of UNFPA's Pacific Sub-Regional Office travelled to Wellington to launch UNFPA's "State of the World Population 2011 Report: People and possibilities in a world of 7 billion". The report looks at the trends and dynamics defining the world and what people in vastly different countries and circumstances are doing in their own communities, making the case that with careful planning and the right investments in people now, the world of 7 billion can thrive.

The event also saw the launch of Family Planning International's "Pacific Portraits: Rights, Choices, Opportunities" a photobook which shares the stories of 24 individuals, focusing on how the realisation - or not - of their sexual and reproductive health and rights has affected their lives, their families and communities in the Pacific region.

As we pass the seven billion mark, it's easy to get caught up in numbers. But the only reason those numbers mean anything is because of the individual lives behind them. Time and time again, in country after country, history has shown that if you give women the tools to have control over their lives, the numbers will follow; solving the "population problem" on their own.[1] When women have more choices and opportunities, when they are healthier, when births are safer, when they have access to contraception, and their children are healthy - women opt for smaller families.

A world of 7 billion has implications for sustainability, urbanisation, access to health services, education and youth empowerment. It also presents an opportunity to renew global commitment for a healthy and sustainable world.

Background

The world population is projected to reach 7 billion on the 31st October 2011.

The NZPPD is cross - party, with currently 44 members representing just fewer than 40 percent of all New Zealand MPs. The group has provided a forum for New Zealand parliamentarians to engage and act on international population and development issues for twelve years. The NZPPD has a particular focus on the Pacific region, where the population and development challenges remain great. Family Planning International houses the NZPPD Secretariat.

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