UNFPA celebrates ‘7B Day’ in Trinidad and Tobago

15 October 2011

Source: UNFPA

 

On 31st October 2011, the world population reached seven billion people. This unique moment in history represents both an achievement and a challenge, and will have an impact on every single person on the planet. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Branch Office of Trinidad and Tobago marked this historic milestone with a “7B Day Knowledge Fair” on the Brian Lara Promenade, Port of Spain.

 

UNFPA along with some of its partners, such as, the Family Planning Association of Trinidad & Tobago (FPATT); Advocates for Safe Parenthood Improving Reproductive Equality (ASPIRE); Young Women's Christian Association of Trinidad & Tobago (YWCA); Women's Institute for Alternative Development (WINAD) and the Ministry of the People and Social Development gathered on the Brian Lara Promenade to share their wealth of information with passersby.

 

Each organization used the opportunity to enlighten the public on how the world at 7 billion would affect their individual fields. The campaign slogan to mark the day, “7 billion people. 7 billion actions.” aimed to achieve two key objectives:

1. Building awareness around the opportunities and challenges associated with a world of seven billion people

2. Inspiring governments, NGOs, private sector, media, academia and individuals to take actions that will have a socially positive impact.

 

Tammy Yates (Officer-in-Charge, UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean-Trinidad and Tobago), The Honourable Nizam Baksh (Minister of Community Development), Dr. Marcia de Castro (UN Resident Coordinator) and the Honourable Dr. Lincoln Douglas (Minister of State of the Ministry of People and Social Development) (L-R). Photo: UNFPA

 

The campaign focussed on seven key issues including: poverty and inequality, women and girls’ empowerment, reproductive health and rights, youth, the ageing population, the environment and urbanization. Acting Minister of the People and Social Development, Nizam Baksh, as well as Minister of State in the Ministry of the People and Social Development, Dr. Lincoln Douglas and UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Marcia De Castro paid official visits to the Knowledge Fair.

 

During their visits, hampers which were donated by Xtra Foods Ltd. and the Ministry of the People and Social Development were presented to relatives of the Mothers who gave birth to the first babies at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, the Mt. Hope Women’s Hospital and the San Fernando General Hospital. The event was also covered live from 12:30 – 2:30pm by The Boom Champions Radio Network.

 

7 Billion Day celebrations at the Brian Lara Promenade, Port of Spain. Photo: UNFPA

 

To view newspaper articles on the event, please click the below thumbnails:

Trinidad Guardian

C News