KATHMANDU: Today marks World Population Day. The day is being observed across various countries with different programs at the call of the United Nations.

According to the UN, it took thousands of years for the world population to reach one billion, but in the next 200 years, it increased sevenfold. In 2011, the global population reached seven billion, and by 2021, it had reached 7.9 billion.

The population continues to grow. It is projected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.9 billion by 2100.

A study has shown that changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanization, and migration have had long-term impacts on population growth. Compared to the past, today’s youth of reproductive age are desiring fewer children due to factors such as economic hardship, insecurity, health, education, and housing concerns.

According to a survey conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) involving more than 14,000 people from 14 countries, most adults of reproductive age cited childcare challenges, job insecurity, health issues, climate change, pandemics, war, and environmental degradation as reasons for not having children as desired.

On this occasion, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message, emphasized the importance of supporting youth to help build a just, peaceful, and hopeful world.

In his statement, he noted that supporting the rights of youth is essential for sustainable development, peace, and human dignity. The theme of this year’s World Population Day is empowering youth to create the families they want.