PEACE VIGIL

Monday, July 24, 2023

#PEACEVIGIL #July25 is UN WHO World Drowning Prevention Day 2023, WPI News! by Peace Ambassador Zara Jane Juan sailing for peace

Because....

236 000 people die from drowning every year from drowning alone

2.5 million deaths over the past decade from drowning

90% of these deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries.

#Drowning has caused over 2.5 million deaths in the last decade. The overwhelming majority of these deaths (90%) happen in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, the highest drowning rates occur among #children aged 1–4 years, followed by children aged 5–9 years.

The human, social and economic toll of these losses is intolerably high, and entirely #preventable.

In 2023, the 76th World Health Assembly adopted its first ever resolution on drowning #prevention. The resolution accepts the invitation of the United Nations General Assembly for WHO to coordinate actions within the UN system on drowning prevention and facilitate the observance of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July each year.

To mark this year’s World Drowning Prevention Day, WHO will continue to focus on raising awareness on drowning as a public health issue, reminding people that anyone can drown, but no one should.

We are also raising awareness on the six evidence-based, low-cost drowning prevention interventions that countries and organizations can use to drastically reduce the risk of drowning. These include:

Campaign video, country stories and social media content will be released on July 25, 2023. Stay tuned.

Taking #action

1.-Provide-safe-spaces-away-from-water

Share our campaign material:

A variety of resources are available to help you raise awareness on drowning and share helpful advice for drowning prevention.

We encourage you to post available social media tiles on Facebook, Twitter and other digital platforms, or distribute our factsheets, infographics and short films among your friends and colleagues. Be sure to tag #DrowningPrevention on social media.

3.-Teach-school-ages-children-swimming

Enroll in a swimming and water safety class:

Learning basic swimming and water safety skills greatly reduces risk of drowning. This is particularly important for children aged 6 years and above. Not only is swimming a skill for life, but it is also a great way to stay fit and active.

4.--Build-resilience-and-manage-flood-risks

Always ensure children are constantly supervised by a responsible adult when around water:

Whether near a pond, river, beach, swimming pool or bathtub, adult supervision is necessary to ensure that children can enjoy water safely. It is critical for supervising adults to remain vigilant and avoid distractions so that they can respond quickly if a child needs help.

Always wear a lifejacket when travelling on water:

Wearing a lifejacket at all times when travelling over water is important for people with all levels of swimming ability. Lifejackets are one of the most important articles of safety equipment when going on the water and there are designs suitable for virtually every type of activity.

Be aware of the weather conditions and ensure any boat you are travelling in has adequate safety equipment and is in good condition:

Be prepared for potential emergencies when you travel over water. Check the weather forecast prior to leaving shore, make sure you have access to quality safety equipment such as lifejackets and throwable flotation devices, and ensure the boat has been regularly inspected and serviced.

5. Train bystanders in safe rescue

Learn how to perform rescue and resuscitation:

Learning to perform rescue and resuscitation can save lives. Survival following drowning greatly improves if cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is performed as soon as a person is removed from water. Ensure your own safety when performing rescue by participating in training programmes that teach safe rescue techniques.

Read more about what policy makers and partners could do to support this campaign.

Resources

24 APRIL 2023

World Drowning Prevention Day: Guidance for Organizations

Download

Event 22 May 2023 13:00 – 14:30 CETWorld Drowning Prevention Day: sharing session for Technical Partners

Logos and branding

Access here

Social media assets

Access here

For social media, WHO recommends that the hashtag #DrowningPrevention be used, including for World #DrowningPrevention Day.

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Wednesday, July 19, 2023

#PEACEVIGIL #July20 is UN International Moon Day, WPI News! by Peace Ambassador Zara Jane Juan sailing for peace

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#PEACEVIGIL

UN International Moon Day #20July

Why #Moon #Day?

The General Assembly declared International Moon Day, a United Nations-designated international day to be observed annually on 20 July, in its resolution 76/76 on “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space” in 2021.

International Moon Day marks the anniversary of the #first landing by #humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission.

The celebrations will also consider the achievements of all States in the exploration of the Moon and raise public awareness of sustainable Moon exploration and utilization.

Background

For thousands of years, human civilizations have looked up to the sky pondering the origin and mysteries of the Moon – our only natural satellite. Ground-based observations enabled by the invention of the first telescopes opened a new chapter in our understanding of our celestial companion.

With the birth of space activities, the Moon became the ultimate destination of countless missions, including crewed flights that brought the first human footprints to another place in the universe.

As Moon exploration efforts continue taking shape with ambitious plans, this global celebration will serve not only as a reminder of success in the past, but as an annual testimony to future endeavours.

#UN and #Space

From the very beginning of the Space Age, the United Nations recognized that outer space added a new dimension to humanity's existence. The United Nations family strives continuously to utilize the unique benefits of outer space for the betterment of all humankind.

Recognizing the common interest of humankind in outer space and seeking to answer questions on how outer space can help benefit the people's of Earth, the General Asssembly adopted its first resolution related to outer space, resolution 1348 (XIII) entitled "Question of the Peaceful Use of Outer Space".

On 10 October 1967, the #MagnaCartaofSpace", also known as the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies entered into force.

Today, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (#UNOOSA) is the United Nations office responsible for promoting international cooperation in the #peaceful #uses of #outerspace. UNOOSA serves as the #secretariat for the General Assembly's only committee dealing exclusively with #international #cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space: the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).

UNOOSA is also responsible for #implementing the Secretary-General's #responsibilities under #international #spacelaw and #maintaining the United Nations #RegisterofObjects #Launched into Outer Space.

To learn more, view the timeline.

Resources

International Instruments

Resolution A/RES/76/76 establishing the Day

Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies

Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects

Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space

Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies

Principles Adopted by the UN General Assembly

Declaration on the Fiftieth Anniversary of Human Space Flight and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

Declaration on International Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for the Benefit and in the Interest of All States, Taking into Particular Account the Needs of Developing Countries

Principles relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space

Principles relating to Remote Sensing of the Earth from Outer Space

Principles Governing the Use by States of Artificial Earth Satellites for International Direct Television Broadcasting

Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space

UN System

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

Related Observances

International Day of Human Space Flight (12 April)

International Asteroid Day (30 June)

World Space Week (4 - 10 October)

International Space Year (1992)

ESA’s Optical Ground Station

UN and Outer Space

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) works to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space, and in the utilisation of space science and technology for sustainable economic and social development.

The Office assists any United Nations Member States to establish legal and regulatory frameworks to govern space activities and strengthens the capacity of developing countries to use space science technology and applications for development by helping to integrate space capabilities into national development programmes.

#China Space Station

Space and Global Goals

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in cooperation with the #ChinaMannedSpaceAgency (CMSA) launched the programme, which capitalizes on the #technological and #innovative skills of the #GovernmentofChina to #benefit Member States of the United Nations, in particular developing countries, thereby contributing to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through increasing access to space.

Why do we mark International Days?

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances

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Friday, July 14, 2023

#PEACEVIGIL #WD2023 Virtual Conference July 17th to July 20th, WPI News by Peace Ambassador Zara Jane Juan sailing for peace

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WD2023 Virtual Conference.

Our Virtual Conference will run alongside the in-person conference in Kigali from July 17th to July 20th. The full program with schedule and speaker information are available on the virtual platform site: www.wd2023virtual.org

Below is a sneak peek into our diverse and dynamic virtual program and instructions on how to access the virtual platform:

Livestreaming: Opening & Closing Ceremonies, 11 Plenaries from Kigali

42 Exclusive Virtual Concurrent Sessions curated by local & Intl. activists & organizations

Special Virtual Plenary on Misogyny Today with Julia Gillard

Interpretations in English, French & Spanish for all virtual sessions

WD2023 Arts & Film Festival: Access 100+ feature-length films on gender equality

Networking Space: Connect with fellow participants who share your interests.

On-demand access to session recordings for 3 months post-conference

Access Instructions:

The WD2023 Team

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#PEACEVIGIL #July15 is UN World Youth Skills Day, WPI News! by Peace Ambassador Zara Jane Juan sailing for peace

#WED presents UN

World Youth Skills Day

#15July

As the world undergoes rapid technological, economic and societal transformations, young people will need the right skills to successfully navigate these challenges and achieve their full potential.

Equipping young people with quality education, training and skills is essential. This World Youth Skills Day reminds us that teachers stand at the forefront of this great global effort.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

2023 Theme: Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future

The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2023 is Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future. It highlights the essential role that teachers, trainers and other educators play in providing skills for youth to transition to the labour market and to actively engage in their communities and societies.

Technological advancements and shifting labour market dynamics increasingly call for agile and adaptable skill sets. It is crucial that we empower young people to navigate these changes effectively. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is well placed to meet these demands by reducing access barriers to the world of work, ensuring that skills gained are relevant, recognized and certified, promoting green skills and practices, and offering skills development opportunities for youth who are not in education, employment and training.

On World Youth Skills Day, let us unite in recognizing the potential of young people as catalysts for change and commit to providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to build a prosperous and sustainable world for all. Together, we can shape a brighter future where no young person is left behind.

High Level Panel

17 July 2023, 1:15 – 2:30 pm (EDT)

New York, UN HQ ECOSOC Chamber

Organized by the Permanent Missions of Portugal and Sri Lanka to the United Nations, in collaboration with UNESCO, ILO, and the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, the event aims to bring together Member States, young experts, social partners, teachers, educators, and various stakeholders to engage in discussions about enhancing the skills of teachers, trainers, and youth to pave the way for a transformative future.

event poster

#YouthLead Innovation Spotlight

14 July 2023, 10:00am – 12:00pm (EDT)

Virtual

Ahead of the high-level panel, a #YouthLead Innovation Spotlight will be hosted on 14 July to convene a dialogue on the importance of multistakeholder collaboration to enable future-proof skills for youth through trainers’ and teachers’ empowerment. The outcomes of the discussion will feed into the high-level panel.

event poster

Empowering youth for a sustainable future

14 July 2023，10:00 – 12:30

Bonn, Germany

This hybrid event, co-organized by UNESCO-UNEVOC and WorldSkills International, will showcase the positive impact of youth skills development on societies and economies, and empower young people to meet the challenges of an evolving global landscape through TVET. The outcomes of the discussion will feed into the high-level panel

Why is World Youth Skills Day important?

In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. Since then, World Youth Skills Day events have provided a unique opportunity for dialogue between young people, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, firms, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policy makers and development partners. Participants have highlighted the ever-increasing significance of skills as the world is embarking on a transition towards a sustainable model of development.

What role do technical and vocational education and training play?

Education and training are central to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. The vision of the Incheon Declaration: Education 2030 is fully captured by Sustainable Development Goal 4 “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Education 2030 devotes considerable attention to technical and vocational skills development, specifically regarding access to affordable quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); the acquisition of technical and vocational skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship; the elimination of gender disparity and ensuring access for the vulnerable. In this context, TVET is expected to address the multiple demands of an economic, social and environmental nature by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship, promoting equitable, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and supporting transitions to green economies and environmental sustainability.

TVET can equip youth with the skills required to access the world of work, including skills for self-employment. TVET can also improve responsiveness to changing skill-demands by companies and communities, increase productivity and increase wage levels. TVET can reduce access barriers to the world of work, for example through work-based learning, and ensuring that skills gained are recognised and certified. TVET can also offer skills development opportunities for low-skilled people who are under- or unemployed, out of school youth and individuals not in education, employment and training (NEETs).

Strawberries for Change: Young Farmer’s Challenge in Rural Gambia

In Gambia, strawberry production is rare. 24-year-old Alhadgie Faal received three months of training in vegetable production. He and his brother now run a successful business growing high-value vegetables and fruits, including strawberries.

Did you know?

Recent estimates suggest that 600 million jobs would have to be created over the next 15 years to meet youth employment needs.

The total global number of unemployed youths is estimated to reach 73 million in 2022, a slight improvement from 2021 (75 million) but still six million above the pre-pandemic level of 2019.

The share of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET) in 2020 – the latest year for which a global estimate is available – rose to 23.3 per cent, an increase of 1.5 percentage points from the previous year and a level not seen in at least 15 years.

The youth population will grow by more than 78 million between 2021 and 2030. Low income countries will account for nearly half of that increase. Education and training systems need to respond to this challenge.

An additional 8.4 million jobs for young people could be created by 2030 through the implementation of green and blue policy measures.

Youth Survey

Youth poster

Are you between the ages of 15 and 29? Then we want to hear from you!

Tell us about your visions, priorities, aspirations, challenges, concerns, and expectations for skills development. The gathered insights will inform the discussion at a World Youth Skills Day hybrid event, which is being co-organized by UNESCO-UNEVOC and WorldSkills International.

Fill out the survey.

Deadline: 7 July 2023

Youth employment and entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial learning for TVET institutions helps TVET institutions to focus on what really drives entrepreneurial learning by providing the tools to assess the needs of the target group and the framework to explore the added value of an entrepreneurial learning ecosystem. Learn more about it.

Key Documents and Publications

General Assembly resolution proclaimed the WYSD

World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond

World Youth Reports

Global Employment Trends for Youth 2022: Investing in transforming futures for young people

Has youth employment recovered?

Youth report 2022: Non-state actors in education: who chooses? who loses?

Related Observances

International Youth Day (12 August)

International Year of Youth (2010)

International Youth Year: Participation, Development and Peace (1985)

Useful Links

Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth

ILO

Youth Employment

YouthForesight Platform

Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth

Skills and Lifelong Learning Knowledge Sharing Platform

UNESCO

UNESCO-UNEVOC: World Youth Skills Day

Global Skills Academy (as part of UNESCO’s Global Education Coalition)

UNESCO’s Youth Employment in the Meditteranean (YEM project) (YEM Knowledge Platform - Youth Section)

What stands between youth and decent jobs?

More young people are staying in school instead of entering the labour market at an early age. That’s good news. Yet more than 200 million young people are either unemployed or have a job but live in poverty. Explore this InfoStory to learn more about global employment trends for young people and what stands between them and a decent job.

Global Issues: Youth

As youth are increasingly demanding more just, equitable and progressive opportunities and solutions in their societies, the need to address the multifaceted challenges faced by young people (such as access to education, health, employment and gender equality) have become more pressing than ever.

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Thursday, July 13, 2023

#PEACEVIGIL #July12 is UN International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, WPI News! by Peace Ambassador Zara Jane Juan sailing for peace

sandstorm with overbearing clouds billows over an orange-colored land that is slightly peppered with trees

Sandstorm in Kidal, Mali

Some of the most intimidating sights in nature are rolling dark clouds of sand and dust that engulf everything in their path, a phenomenon that turns day into night and wreaks havoc everywhere from Northern China to sub-Saharan Africa.

Sand and dust storms and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sand and dust storms (SDS) present a formidable and wide-spread challenge to achieving sustainable development in its economic, social and environmental dimensions. They have become a serious global concern in recent decades due to their significant impacts on the environment, health, agriculture, livelihoods, and socio-economic well-being. Sand and dust storms are an essential element of the Earth’s natural bio-chemical cycles, but are also caused in part by human-induced drivers, including climate change, and unsustainable land management and water use. In turn, sand and dust storms contribute to climate change and air pollution. Sand and dust storms’ impacts are felt in all regions of the world, both in developed and developing countries, and pose severe challenges to achieving 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, especially:

SDG-2 — Goal 2: Zero hunger
SDG-3 — Goal 3: Health
SDG-6 — Goal 6: Water and sanitation
SDG-8 — Goal 8: Economic growth
SDG-11 — Goal 11: Cities
SDG-13 — Goal 13: Climate action, and
SDG-15 — Goal 15: Biodiversity forests and desertification.

At least 25 per cent of global dust emissions originate from human activities, and in some areas, desert dust has doubled in the 20th century. The impact of this phenomena is difficult to control, as human activity in one part of the world can cause sand and dust storms in another region. However, just as sand and dust storms are caused by human activities, these storms can also be reduced through human actions.

United Nations action

Recognizing that sand and dust storms and their negative impacts at different scales are issues of international concern, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 12 July as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (A/RES/77/294).

The United Nations General Assembly, furthermore, stressed the need for cooperation at the global and regional levels, with a view to preventing, managing and mitigating the effects of sand and dust storms through the enhancement of early warning systems and the sharing of climate and weather information to forecast sand and dust storms. The General Assembly affirmed that resilient action to combat and reduce sand and dust storms requires a better understanding of the severe multidimensional impacts of sand and dust storms, including the deterioration of the health, well-being and livelihood of people, increased desertification and land degradation, deforestation, loss of biodiversity and land productivity, threatening food security, and their impact on sustainable economic growth.

United Nations Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms (UNCCD)

a black and white photo of a flag fluttering in a sand dust storm

In response to several recent General Assembly resolutions on Combating sand and dust storms, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Parties officially launched the UN Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, committing the UN System to a proactive approach to combat Sand and dust storms (SDS), and to enhance cooperation and coordination on SDS at global, regional and sub-regional levels.

The mandate of the UN Coalition on Combating SDS, as defined by the participating entities is as follows:

Promote and coordinate a collaborative UN System response to SDS;
Facilitate exchange of knowledge, data and best practices among Coalition members to promote effective and coherent actions on SDS across the UN system and beyond;
Encourage and promote collaboration on initiatives and actions among members of the Coalition, including advocacy and funding initiatives;
Facilitate dialogue and collaboration amongst affected countries and the UN system in addressing SDS issues collectively;
Facilitate the capacity-building of Member States, raise their awareness and enhance their preparedness and response to SDS in critical regions.

MORE INFORMATION ON SDS

Facts & Figures

Approximately 2 million tonnes of sand and dust enter the atmosphere annually.
SDS mostly occur in dry and desert regions, but can be carried long distances to impact regions much further away.
Dust particles, circulated by SDS, provide nutrients to marine ecosystems, but can also contribute to coral mortality and hurricane formation.
SDS can cause respiratory diseases, heart disorders, and eye and skin irritation and can also spread other diseases, such as meningitis.
Aviation and ground transportation can be disrupted by SDS.
Agricultural practices and productivity can be impacted by SDS, which can also contribute to desertification processes.
Sustainable water and land management practices can decrease the impacts of SDS.

Source: UN Environment Management Group

Protecting People from Sand and Dust Storms (WMO)

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) informational video on Sand and Dust Storms and their effects on health.

Sand and Dust Storms Compendium

The aim of the Sand and Dust Storms Compendium is to provide information and guidance on how to assess and address the risks posed by sand and dust storms and plan actions to combat sand and dust storms. The Compendium brings together this information from a wide range of sources.

UNEP: Impacts of Sand and Dust Storms on Oceans

a car is seen in the distance with sandstorms around it, next to it are photos of dry sea life and green colored waters

Each year, an estimated two billion tonnes of dust is raised into the atmosphere. According to the report, Impacts of Sand and Dust Storms on Oceans: A Scientific Environmental Assessment for Policy Makers, even the smallest elements can have substantive effects on ecosystem functioning – and on the Earth system, at large.

infographic about sand and duststorm - described in the text of the website

Dust Cycle Processes

Emission processes are affected by several soil features such as soil moisture, soil texture, surface crust, roughness elements and vegetation. Once strong winds emit dust particles, fine dust particles are carried by turbulent diffusion and convection to higher tropospheric levels and then large-scale winds can transport them over long distances. Dust particles in the atmosphere scatter and absorb solar radiation and modify clouds and their radiative and precipitation processes.

Click on the image for a larger view of the infographic. More information is available in the Summary for Decision Makers paper [PDF].

Related Observances

United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (2010-2020)
UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030)
International Day of Forests (21 March)
International Day of Biodiversity (22 May)
Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028)
International Year of Soil (2015)

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Sunday, July 9, 2023

#PEACEVIGIL #July11 is UN World Population Day, WPI News! by Peace Ambassador Zara Jane Juan sailing for peace

A village council head attends a meeting to develop her leadership skills

Communities and societies are stronger and healthier when women and girls are empowered to choose if and when to build the families they want.

PHOTO:UN Women/Ashutosh Negi

2023 Theme: Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities

What women and girls want matters.

They make up 49.7% of the global population, yet women and girls are often ignored in discussions on demographics, with their rights violated in population policies.

This pervasive injustice keeps women and girls out of school, the workforce and leadership positions; limits their agency and ability to make decisions about their health and sexual and reproductive lives; and heightens their vulnerability to violence, harmful practices and preventable maternal death, with a woman dying every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth.

We must advance gender equality to create a more just, resilient and sustainable world. The creativity, ingenuity, resources and power of women and girls are fundamental to addressing demographic and other challenges that threaten our future, including climate change and conflict.

When women and girls are empowered by societies to exert autonomy over their lives and bodies, they and their families thrive, as the UNFPA 2023 State of World Population report illustrates.

UNFPA brings its data, experience and stories to support women and girls around the world, and World Population Day gives us an opportunity to highlight the need to advance gender equality to help realize the dreams of all 8 billion of us on our planet.

a collage of portraits spanning outward from the bottom right corner

World Population Dashboard

The World Population Dashboard showcases global population data, including fertility rate, gender parity in school enrolment, information on sexual and reproductive health, and much more. Together, these data shine a light on the health and rights of people around the world, especially women and young people.

EXPLORE DETAILS!

World Population Trends

It took hundreds of thousands of years for the world population to grow to 1 billion – then in just another 200 years or so, it grew sevenfold. In 2011, the global population reached the 7 billion mark, it stands at almost 7.9 billion in 2021, and it's expected to grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100.

This dramatic growth has been driven largely by increasing numbers of people surviving to reproductive age, and has been accompanied by major changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanization and accelerating migration. These trends will have far-reaching implications for generations to come.

The recent past has seen enormous changes in fertility rates and life expectancy. In the early 1970s, women had on average 4.5 children each; by 2015, total fertility for the world had fallen to below 2.5 children per woman. Meanwhile, average global lifespans have risen, from 64.6 years in the early 1990s to 72.6 years in 2019.

In addition, the world is seeing high levels of urbanization and accelerating migration. 2007 was the first year in which more people lived in urban areas than in rural areas, and by 2050 about 66 per cent of the world population will be living in cities.

These megatrends have far-reaching implications. They affect economic development, employment, income distribution, poverty and social protections. They also affect efforts to ensure universal access to health care, education, housing, sanitation, water, food and energy. To more sustainably address the needs of individuals, policymakers must understand how many people are living on the planet, where they are, how old they are, and how many people will come after them.

Did you know?

More than 40 per cent of women around the world cannot make decisions on sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
As few as one in four women across low- and middle income countries are realizing their desired fertility.
A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth (and in conflict settings, the number of deaths is twice as high).
Nearly one third of women have experienced intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence or both.
Just six countries have 50 per cent or more women in parliament.
More than two thirds of the 800 million people globally who cannot read are women.

Source: UNFPA

8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: The case for rights and choices

Related Observances

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (6 February)
International Women's Day (8 March)
International Day of Families (15 May)
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (23 May)
International Youth Day (12 August)
International Day of Older Persons (1 October)
World Children's Day (20 November)

Global Issues: Population

The dramatic growth of world’s population has been driven largely by increasing numbers of people surviving to reproductive age, and has been accompanied by major changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanization and accelerating migration. These trends will have far-reaching implications for generations to come. The United Nations system has long been involved in addressing these complex and interrelated issues – notably, through the work of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Cover of the State of World Population Report 2023: a composite of the face of a woman using the half of two women’s faces

State of World Population 2023: 8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities

New data reveals population anxieties are widespread and governments are increasingly adopting policies aimed at raising, lowering or maintaining fertility rates. But efforts to influence fertility rates are very often ineffective and can erode women’s rights, according to this year’s UNFPA landmark report 8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: the case for rights and choices. Published yearly since 1978, The State of World Population report shines a light on emerging issues in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights, bringing them into the mainstream and exploring the challenges and opportunities they present for international development.