Every year since 1989, communities around the world mark 11 July as World Population Day, which brings to attention global population issues in the context of development plans and programmes. We now live in a world of a whopping 7 million people (and growing), with a staggering 1.2 billion people living in extreme poverty, increasing demands on access to basic rights including education and healthcare.

This year’s theme for World Population Day is “Investing in Young People” and communities and organizations around the world will be committing today to empowering young people in order to improve their sexual and reproductive rights.

“On this World Population Day, I call on all with influence to prioritize youth in development plans, strengthen partnerships with youth-led organizations, and involve young people in all decisions that affect them. By empowering today’s youth, we will lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future for…