New Delhi, India

World Population Day 2024: World Population Day is celebrated annually on July 11. It was an initiative of the United Nations that started in 1989 and aims to spread awareness regarding population-related issues. 

Advertisment

The global population is on the rise and is expected to reach about 9.7 billion by 2050. Currently, India's position is about 1.4286 billion, which is more than the population of China at the moment. 

India crossed China to become the world’s most populous country in April 2023, according to UN.

As the population keeps increasing, it is imperative that the infrastructure, healthcare, education, etc. must be at par. This day serves as a reminder to all to ensure that the current structure is sustainable and can cater to the needs of the increasing population. 

Advertisment

Also read | New microcontinent identified between Greenland and Canada is a crustal anomaly

World Population Day is an opportunity for governments to discuss and deliberate on policies that would cater to the well-being of the entire population. 

Origin 

Advertisment

On July 11, 1989, the population of the world reached five billion. Dr. KC Zachariah, a demographer at the World Bank, proposed to mark this day as World Population Day. The United Nations (UN) accepted this proposal and declared July 11 as World Population Day. 

World Population Day was inspired by the widespread interest ignited by the "Day of Five Billion" on July 11, 1987.

Theme 

Each year, the United Nations decide a theme for World Population Day. This year, the theme is, 'Leave no one behind, count everyone'. "This year's theme highlights the importance of investing in data collection to understand issues, tailor solutions, and drive progress. Financial investment is also crucial. I urge countries to leverage the Summit of the Future this year to unlock affordable capital for sustainable development." Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General said. 

Also read | 'Women have always thrown themselves at him,' says Donald Trump's ex-wife Marla Maples

Significance 

The World Population Day is an initiative to spread awareness regarding population-related issues. It urges countries to come up with policies which ensure an improved standard of living for the entire population. 

(With inputs from agencies)