The issues are of global concern and must be kept to the fore even as we take stock of some impressive development gains made since the late 1960s. Among these are the increasing global nature of social, economic and political developments.
Population trends are an integral part of our common future.
On 12 October 1999, many countries observed the Day of Six Billion. It was a day to reflect on what a world population of 6 billion would mean, now and in the future while population growth rates continue to decline, numbers are still increasing owing mainly to the effects of population momentum. It was a day to recognize that individual lives and health come first, and that poverty, food and water shortages and other problems of underdevelopment can be helped by paying close attention to population issues. Delegations overwhelmingly endorsed the ICPD Programme of Action agreed in 1994. Five years of experience have shown that the Programme is practical, affordable and essential for the future.