Naomi Kitahara, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative in Việt Nam, joins an event with students from the University of Science and Education under the University of Đà Nẵng in commemoration of 8 billion people. Photo courtesy of UNFPA

ĐÀ NẴNG — More than 300 students from the University of Science and Education, under the University of Đà Nẵng, joined a discussion and exchange with Naomi Kitahara, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in representative Việt Nam, sharing their reflections on the topic' 8 Billion: People are the solution, not the problem'. 

The event, which took place at the university on November 17, focussed on five themes: COVID-19, climate change, opportunities, and potentiality and dreams, and called for solutions to the challenges the world faces.

UNFPA, in collaboration with Việt Nam Television's Channel 2 (VTV2), organised a drawing contest, 'I am in the 8 billion', between October 28 and November 14 2022.

UNFPA said two intercity buses with the message' 8 Billion Hopes, 8 Billion Dreams, 8 Billion Solutions' were travelling from the north to the south of Việt Nam from 16 to November 30 to promote the event.

In a message to the community, UNFPA suggested that the challenges facing humanity are acute: generation-defining issues such as climate change, conflict and COVID-19 disproportionately affect the most marginalised and vulnerable among us. 

Millions continue to live in poverty, suffer from hunger and malnutrition, do not have access to healthcare and social protection, and cannot complete a quality education. In addition, women worldwide are still denied the fundamental right to decide their bodies and futures. We are seeing a worrying rollback of progress on women's rights in many countries.

Despite these challenges, the story behind 8 billion and how we have got here is a story of triumph. We have reduced poverty and achieved remarkable advancements in socio-economic issues. There are more of us humans than ever before due, in part, to increasing life expectancy and declining infant and maternal mortality.

"People are the solution, not the problem. Experience shows that investing in people, in their rights and choices, is the path to peaceful, prosperous and sustainable societies," said UNFPA Executive Director Dr Natalia Kanem.

"As we reach this important milestone today, UNFPA will work with partners and communities to harness the power of 8 billion as part of UNFPA's mission to achieve the goals set out in the ICPD Programme of Action back in 1994. By protecting the rights and choices of all people to live healthy, empowered lives, humanity holds the key to unleashing the unlimited potential of people around the world and addressing the challenges threatening their societies and the global problems imperilling us all.

"We are not on this journey alone - there are many examples of solidarity and individual heroism, and we must all work together to address poverty, discrimination, violence and exclusion and other barriers denying millions of people around the world their rights and choices.

"We are much more than a number, as is the human family. Numbers matter, but let us count carefully. A resilient world of eight billion, a world that upholds individual rights and choices, offers infinite possibilities – possibilities for people, societies and our shared planet to thrive and prosper," said Naomi Kitahara.

"UNFPA will continue to advocate for the fundamental right of individuals and couples to decide freely and responsibly the number, timing and spacing of having children. UNFPA will support governments and societies in achieving a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled," Kitahara added. — VNS