(From left) United Nations Population Fund India head Frederica Mire and state human resource development minister PK Shahi at the report release in Patna on Friday. Picture by Neshat Ahmad

Patna, Nov. 4: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India head Frederica Mire today said the population of the world — that hit the 7 billion mark on October 31 this year — was an opportunity and also a challenge.

Mire was addressing a gathering of Unicef and non-government organisation workers and college students at the release of UNFPA annual report titled “The state of world population, 2011”.

She said: “On October 31, the population of the world touched the 7 billion mark. How we respond to it now will determine whether we have a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future or one marked by inequality, environment change and economic decline.”

State human resource development minister P.K. Shahi was also present at the meet.

Mire added: “It is a challenge, an opportunity and a call to action. With planning and the right investments, we should try to empower people to help them to make choices that are good not only for themselves but also for our common goals. Our world of 7 billion can have thriving sustainable cities, productive labour forces that fuel economies and youth population that contributes to the well-being of societies.”

The UNFPA head also said: “The record population can be viewed in many ways as a success for human society. It indicates that people are living longer and more of our children are surviving worldwide. But not everyone has benefited from this achievement or the higher quality of life that it implies.”

Shahi outlined the state government’s efforts and schemes on population stabilisation and women empowerment.

“Bihar is probably the first state in the world where schoolgirls are being empowered and encouraged through Chief Minister’ Cycle Yojna. We have also set examples by providing 50 per cent reservation to women in panchayats.”

A group of young theatre artistes presented a short play Sapno Ko Chali Chhoone directed by Tanveer Akhtar. The theme of the play was ending gender discrimination and promotion a girl children’s rights.

The report was first released in London on October 26. Demographers, policymakers, governments, civil society and individuals have contributed to the report on different trends like from ageing, rapidly rising numbers of young people, high population growth rates, shrinking populations, high rates of urbanisation and rising international migration.

On October 31, Nargis — the 7 billionth baby was born to Vineeta Devi, 23, and Ajay Kumar, 28, at at Mall village, 42km from Lucknow.

Of the about five lakh babies born around the world today, several were declared No 7 Billion by their parents, governments or the local media.

The Philippines staked its claim early with Danica May Camacho, born just after midnight at Manila’s Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. Soon, Peter Bashir Yansaneh of London, Cin of Colorado, Pyotr of Kaliningrad and many others joined the list of contenders.