On November 15, 2022, the world population reached 8 billion, marking a major milestone for humanity. “What does being 8 billion mean in terms of population, climate, resources, and human rights?” “ What awaits the world in the next billion?” Those questions were discussed at the event organized to celebrate this milestone organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Türkiye in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Türkiye. 

On November 15, 2022, the world population reached 8 billion, marking a major milestone for the planet and humanity. A world of 8 billion can mean a world of infinite possibilities if equal rights and equal opportunities are provided for every individual of the 8 billion.

At the “8 Billion: A World of Infinite Possibilities” event organized by UNFPA Türkiye in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Türkiye, ​​the meaning of this major milestone for humanity and the steps that can be taken for an equal world were discussed. The event, moderated by Afşin Yurdakul, took place on Tuesday, November 15, with the participation of Joep Wijnande; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to Türkiye, Hassan Mostashami; UNFPA Türkiye Representative, İlayda Eskitaşçıoğlu; United Nations Young Leader for Sustainable Development Goals, İlayda Işık; UNFPA Young Innovator Fellow,  representatives of UN, civil society, academia, ambassadors and press members.

Joep Wijnands,  Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to Türkiye noted in his opening speech, "An equal world for all can only be achieved by acting together and partnering with civil society organizations and key partners such as UNFPA.”

UNFPA Türkiye Representative Hassan Mostashami emphasized in his opening speech that similar concerns were expressed about climate change, poverty and sustainability of resources when the world population became 7 billion, but that we should celebrate our achievements despite the difficulties. He also added: “8 billion is not about numbers, it's about ensuring equal rights and possibilities for everyone"

After the opening speeches, UNFPA Türkiye Population Dynamics Program Coordinator Gökhan Yıldırımkaya presented the changes that the world's population went through when it was 8 billion, how the population dynamics changed and what awaits humanity in the next billion in his presentation “How have we come to his day?”

At the end of the event, Afşin Yurdakul moderated the panel where United Nations Young Leader for Sustainable Development Goals İlayda Eskitaşçıoğlu and UNFPA Young Innovator Fellow  İlayda Işık discussed the connection between population, resources, and climate issues and answered what it means for human rights and equal opportunities to be 8 billion. 

“People are the solution, not the problem!”

For those who missed it and those who want to watch it again, the “8 Billion: A World of Infinite Possibilities” event, organized by UNFPA Türkiye in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Türkiye, can be found here!