At about 00:30 Vietnam time, a girl named 'Vinice Mabansag' officially logged in in Manila (Philippines) and was recognized as the 8,000,000,000th person of Earth. Photo: Nico Waje/Twitter

The global population is projected to reach 8 billion today, according to the World Population Prospects 2022, released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Reaching this milestone is both a cause for celebration and a clarion call for humanity to find solutions to the challenges we face.

The world’s population is projected to reach a peak of around 10.4 billion people during the 2080s and to remain at that level until 2100. It took about 12 years to grow from 7 to 8 billion, approximately the same time as from 6 to 7 billion. The next billion is expected to take approx. 14.5 years (2037).

Half of the 8th billion added to the world population was a result of Asia’s demographic expansion. Africa made the second largest contribution (almost 400 million).

10 countries contributed to more than half of population growth leading from the 7th to the 8th billion. India was by far the largest contributor, followed by China and Nigeria. Africa and Asia will drive population growth until the 9th billion is achieved in 2037.

Today, two-thirds of the global population lives in a country or area where lifetime fertility is below 2.1 births per woman (also known as replacement fertility).

Global life expectancy at birth reached 72.8 years in 2019, an improvement of almost 9 years since 1990. But in 2021, life expectancy for the least developed countries lagged 7 years behind the global average.

In many developing countries, the share of population at working ages (between 25 and 64 years) has been increasing.

The challenges facing humanity are acute: generation-defining issues such as climate change, conflict and Covid-19 are disproportionately affecting the most marginalized and vulnerable among us. To date, millions continue to live in poverty and suffer from hunger and malnutrition, do not have access to healthcare and social protection, and are unable to complete quality education. Women around the world are still denied the fundamental right to make decisions over their bodies and futures, and we are seeing a worrying roll-back of progress on women’s rights in many countries.

“People are the solution, not the problem. Experience shows that investing in people, in their rights and choices, is the path to peaceful, prosperous and sustainable societies,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem.

The 8 billion milestone commemorated in Vietnam. Source: UNFPA Vietnam

To commemorate the milestone in Vietnam, a drawing contest titled 'I am in the 8 billion' was co-organized by UNFPA in collaboration with Vietnam Television (VTV2) from October 28 to November 14, with the theme “People are the solution, not the problem”.

The contest has received nearly 100 submissions from Vietnamese citizens to share their creative ideas for a better and stronger world where everyone can have an enjoyable life, and no one is left behind. In addition, two intercity buses, printed with the 8 Billion messages “8 Billion Hopes, 8 Billion Dreams, 8 Billion Solutions” will travel from the North to the South of Vietnam from November 16 to 30.

“We are much more than a number, as is the human family. Numbers matter, but let us count carefully. A resilient world of 8 billion, a world that upholds individual rights and choices, offers infinite possibilities – possibilities for people, societies and our shared planet to thrive and prosper,” said Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam at the event.

“UNFPA will continue to advocate for the fundamental right of individuals and couples to decide freely and responsibly the number, timing and spacing of having children. UNFPA will support governments and societies in achieving a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled,” added Kitahara.

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