… Population to hit eight billion on November 15, 2022
BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– On November 15, the world population will hit the eight billion mark!
This was revealed this morning by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Officer In Charge Margaret Thwala-Tembe at the press conference of the launch of ‘World at 8 Billion Day 2022’ at Royal Villas in Ezulwini.
The theme of the launch was ‘A world of 8 billion: A world of infinite possibilities’.
In her deliberations, Tembe said on November 15, 2022, the total number of people in the world would hit eight billion, saying this milestone would attract attention and debate and many are likely to think that there are just too many people in the world.
“I want to make you aware that, that line of thinking would be a mistake.
Focusing only on population numbers and growth rates often leads to coercive and counterproductive measures and the erosion of human rights. For example, women may be pressured to have children or prevented from doing so,” she said.
Tembe went on to say the population story was far richer and more nuanced than a single number can capture.
“There may be more people in the world today, but equally important is the unprecedented demographic diversity we see within the global population. A growing number of countries face population ageing.
“Others, like Eswatini, have youthful and growing populations. Additionally, more people are on the move, either by choice or driven by crises ranging from conflict to climate change. Understanding these shifts is critical in harnessing opportunities and mitigating potential downsides.”
She went on to say people were the solution, not the problem, adding that each country should have the information it required to meet the needs of its diverse population groups and ensure that individuals could realise their full potential.
“When people have the power to make informed choices about whether and when to have children, when they can exercise their rights and responsibilities, they can navigate risks and become the foundation of more inclusive, adaptable and sustainable societies,” she said.
In the meantime, Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr Tambo Gina said this global milestone sought to draw the attention of policy makers and the public at large to the global and national population situation and the challenges and opportunities emanating thereof and their implications for sustainable socio-economic development.
The minister elaborated, saying it also provided an opportunity to actively advocate for the placement of population dynamics at the centre of the national development agenda and ensuring that population variables are integrated in all development plans and programmes.
“The Ministry Economic Planning and Development, through the National Population Unit (NPU), with the technical and financial support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and in collaboration with stakeholders are embarking on the build-up activities.
“The key message is that every individual contributes their ingenuity, kindness, leadership, labour, creativity and heart to the human family. Every liSwati deserves to benefit from a more just, prosperous and sustainable world. To achieve that world and Agenda 2030 we must anticipate and understand the way our populations are changing,” said Gina.
Bringing in statistics in his remarks, the minister stated that Eswatini population was currently estimated at 1 174 014(1.17 Million) in 2022 and was projected to increase to 1 295 143 (1.2 Million) in 2030.
“The low population growth rate (0.7) and the decline in fertility which is currently at 3.2 children per woman is contributing to the slow growth in the total population. There is a window of opportunity to harness the demographic dividend through the implementation of the National Development Plan which seeks to deliver on the country’s vision. “
He further said various activities would be undertaken as part of the ‘World at 8 Billion’ to draw emaSwati’s attention to the continued importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights and the ability of men and women to be able to plan their families.
“These creative activations will include sensitization of policy makers and public awareness creation through the media including social media.”
