With the world population having reached 7 billion yesterday, a conference is currently underway to discuss demographic trends and population dynamics, including measures to address the social, economic and environment challenges facing this population.
The Partners for Population and Development (PPD) Conference is attended by Ministers responsible for Health and Social Development from different developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Amongst other issues, it is discussing the implications of the 7 billion population milestone in developing countries.
This conference, which is held by PPD in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, comes a day after South Africa completed a successful national census, whose results are expected in March 2013. The 2011 national census will give a comprehensive picture of the social and living conditions of the people. Its outcomes will be an essential tool for effective policy, planning and decision making.
The PPD Conference is also attended by academics, researchers, civil society and senior government representatives.
Participants have emphasised the need to build and strengthen South-South partnerships and networks in a quest to respond to the population needs of developing countries.
The outcome of the conference will result in the adoption of a declaration by Ministers of Developing Countries, which will also urge them to take steps in their respective countries to promote family planning and maternal health. The conference will also highlight the need for governments to link population dynamics with development planning.
Members of the media are invited to a press conference on the outcomes of the conference to be held as follows:
Time: 11h30am
Date: Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Venue: Burgers Park Hotel, Pretoria
NB: Members of the media are requested to bring their IDs or Passports for accreditation.
RSVP: Justice Ditshego 079 497 7426 or Thapelo Sakoana 082 420 7736.
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
