New Delhi: Every year on July 11 World Population Day is celebrated to create awareness across the globe regarding the population issues such as the importance of family planning, child marriage, gender equality, human rights etc. This day was established when the population crossed the five billion mark in the world. This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the day will focus on the impact of a pandemic on fertility. As per UNFPA research in March, around 12 million women experienced disruptions in family planning.
According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,” Sustainable Development 2030 agenda is the world’s blueprint for a better future for all on a healthy planet. On World Population Day we recognise that this mission is closely interrelated with demographic trends including population growth, ageing, migration, and urbanisation”.
World Population Day 2021: History
This day was established by Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989 as an outgrowth of the interest generated by Five Billion Day or the estimated day when the world’s population surpassed the five billion mark.
The United Nations General Assembly by resolution 45/216 of December 1990, decided to continue observing this day to create awareness among people regarding the impact of overpopulation. In 1990, this day was first celebrated by 90 countries.