The world’s population tops seven billion people on October 31, 2011. This unique moment in human history represents an achievement and a challenge, and will impact every single person on the globe.

In a bid to mark this milestone, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is leading an innovative global campaign of 7 Billion Actions to build awareness around the opportunities and challenges of a world of seven billion people.

The 7 Billion Actions is the platform designed to promote a healthy and sustainable world and brings together a wide range of UN bodies.

A world of seven billion people has implications for sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and youth empowerment however; it also offers a rare call-to-action opportunity to renew global commitment for a healthy and sustainable world.

According to UNDP, though family size continues to decline in most places, the earth population is projected to rise for years to come. This scenario compels the world to take a closer look at the world population in 2011.

In this, UNFPA has enlisted a wide group of corporations, organizations, and individuals to deliver this unique initiative, using online, mobile and offline actions to tell the particular story.

The 7 billion Actions aims to achieve two key objectives in building a global awareness around the opportunities and challenges associated with a world of seven billion people.

The campaign themes will rotate around seven key issues, including poverty and inequality; women and girls empowerment; reproductive health and rights; young people; ageing population; environment, urbanization.

UNFPA is the brain behind the coordination the 7 billion actions initiative, but many partners own it. The initiative is open to all organizations and individuals committed to addressing the most challenging issues of our time, and willing to share their stories to inspire others to take actions to improve a world of seven billion people.

Joining the 7 Billion Actions campaign, partners have a unique opportunity to expand the visibility and outreach of their work, and leverage support to their causes. Thanks to the collaboration and creativity of existing partners from different sectors, the campaign has the potential of reaching almost all people online in the world. 

This campaign touches upon different issues, including poverty, gender equality, maternal and reproductive health, environment and urbanization, among many others, giving a wide overview of the status and challenges of human development. 

By framing their vision under the 7 Billion Actions initiative, partners position their work and draw attention to their specific issues. This is through illustrating the exponential effect and impact that each partner’s work can have on global dynamics.  Organizations of all kinds, in every part of the world are creating innovative programmes that address issues associated with a world of 7 billion.

The programme will nurture the interest and support of a new generation of young adults in specific development issues and in the organizations which support them.

UNFPA and Rwanda government will leverage media attention through the campaign’s newsroom looking for good stories from partners.

Ends