United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Georgia and the Georgian National Museum will hold an event dedicated to the launch of the countdown to 7 billion at 17:00, October 24. The event will take place within the framework of the UN Week at Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia (Address: #3 Rustaveli ave., Tbilisi.)
The world’s population will top seven billion people on October 31, 2011 and the countdown to 7 Billion will be launched worldwide on October 24.
“United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is marking this milestone worldwide. A world of seven billion requires a new vision and activities for overcoming the present challenges. Georgia, with its ancient history and cultural heritage, as well as topical aspects of population development and opportunities for future holds a remarkable place in the world of 7 billion. The future of Georgia depends on actions taken by each of us at present”- says Ms. Tamar Khomasuridze, Assistant Representative, UNFPA/Georgia.
“Rich natural resources have supported uninterrupted human habitation for thousands of years. Georgia’s large numbers of significant archaeological discoveries that span many different periods attest to this, including findings of the oldest hominid fossils in Eurasia, in Dmanisi (eastern Georgia dating back 1.8 million years) representing Georgia as the birthplace of the first Europeans” – said Mr. David Lordkipanidze, the General Director of the Georgian National Museum.
“While poverty, inequality and increased stress on resources represent major challenges, the world is more interconnected than ever before, creating enormous possibilities. We now have unprecedented capacity to share information and ideas, and engage communities across the globe to solve common problems”-said UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin in his message for World Population Day 2011. “Reducing inequities and improving living standards for people alive today – as well as for generations to follow – will require new ways of thinking and unparalleled global cooperation. The moment to act is now. Together, we can forge the future with young people, advance rights for girls and women, and safeguard the natural resources on which we all depend. As the most interconnected population, young people are already transforming society, politics and culture. By more actively engaging women and young people, we can build a better future for all generations”.
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.