Saturday 11th July 2020 marks World Population Day.1 Celebrated annually, it seeks to raise awareness of global population issues, including the world’s ageing demographic and sustainability. The event was established back in 1989 by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme.
Why is this day important?
World Population Day is crucial in raising awareness of our growing population. As of June 2020, the world’s population stands at 7.8 billion.2 With so many people on our beloved planet, it’s important to take time to consider the impacts that sustaining this population can have on our food sources, our environment and also the ever-prominent issue of climate change.
Focusing attention on areas of concern and addressing global issues such as family planning, gender equality, poverty, mental health and human rights, the day plays a vital role in raising awareness and providing up-to-date information and education. Some of these issues have become more prominent in modern-day society; this is a great opportunity for us to educate ourselves about how we, the human race, can take steps towards eradicating them and creating an equal society.
Although it’s easy to focus on the negatives, the day also encourages a celebration of humanity and its achievements, from technological advancements such as spaceflight to taking steps towards an eco-friendly way of life. It encourages people to consider the varying challenges different countries face in addition to large populations, such as water shortages or lack of healthcare, and to explore ways of providing support. World Population Day centres around community and, as the world comes together to combat the coronavirus pandemic, this sentiment is stronger than ever before.
What is The Word Forest Organisation doing to celebrate?
Due to government precautions regarding COVID-19, this year’s celebrations will go down in history as they’re set to be conducted under unique circumstances. Although the commemoration of the day will be held differently, the sentiment of what World Population Day represents and encourages remains the same, and this is what The Word Forest Organisation aims to focus on and celebrate.
The value of community (one of the day’s primary focuses) is more prominent now than ever, with the coronavirus pandemic bringing us together in more ways than one. It’s important to celebrate the value of community, especially when we are facing an unprecedented amount of hardship and uncertainty. It’s hoped that marking World Population Day will boost civic spirit and prompt us to recognise that not everything is as oppressive as it may seem.
We hope you will take the time on July 11th to not only mark the day but also educate yourself and others around you on the issues facing our population. Discovering how you can make a difference is perhaps the most important thing that you can do to celebrate this year’s World Population Day.
Kenya’s Population: The Facts
- As this article is published, Kenya’s population stands at 53,805,690 people.3
- Kenya has one of the fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa.4
- Kenya is home to 42 tribes with different languages and customs that together form the country’s unique culture.5
- The people of Kenya are experiencing one of the worst water crises in the world due to drought, forest degradation and population growth.
- Kenya is a low-income country, with 38.7% of its population living below the international poverty line.6
Anna Parkinson & The Team
