Secretary Clinton's Statement on World Population Day

World Population Day

Press Statement

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

July 11, 2011

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In October the world's population is expected to exceed 7 billion. While many people are living longer and healthier lives, this simple fact underscores the critical importance of addressing poverty, inequality, lack of education, and poor healthcare that still impact billions of people. Programs that promote increased access to reproductive health care for women and girls in particular can lead the way to a healthier future for all. Investing in women and girls is cost-effective and essential to solving the world’s problems.

With half of the world’s population under the age of 25, we must also harness the positive force of the world's youth to meet the needs of 7 billion people. When young people claim their right to education and health -- including sexual and reproductive health -- they increase their opportunities to become a powerful force for economic development and positive change.

On this World Population Day we must redouble our efforts for the health and well-being of women and families around the world. The United States is committed to working with other governments across the globe and with our international and nongovernmental partners to meet the opportunities and challenges of population growth, because the decisions we make today will determine how we live together in the years to come.