Islamabad : World Population Day is being marked across the world today (Saturday), including in Pakistan, with the aim of increasing awareness about population-related issues and their influence on sustainable development.
The annual observance draws attention to major challenges associated with population growth, such as access to healthcare, poverty reduction, human rights, gender equality and the importance of long-term planning to meet future needs.
This year’s theme, “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future,” underscores the need to empower young people to make informed decisions about their education, health and family life. It also highlights the role of youth in building stronger communities while supporting balanced and sustainable population growth.
World Population Day is observed every year on July 11. It was introduced in 1989, following the milestone of the global population reaching five billion in 1987, to encourage greater awareness of issues including family planning, maternal healthcare, women’s empowerment and social progress.
The global population has now exceeded eight billion, and projections suggest the figure could climb to nine billion by 2037.
Demographers and development experts say that understanding changing population patterns is crucial for governments to formulate effective policies, allocate resources efficiently and address the evolving needs of their citizens.
World Population Day serves as a reminder of the importance of tackling demographic challenges through informed policymaking, public awareness and collective action to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable future for generations to come.
