State of world population report 2023: 8 billion lives, infinite possibilities the case for right and choices

This report explores how broadening our understanding of population can lead to new solutions that build demographic resilience and help shape a more equitable and prosperous future. Advancing gender equality is an often overlooked solution to many of these concerns. In ageing, low-fertility countries with labour productivity concerns, achieving gender parity in the workforce is considered the most effective way to improve productivity and income growth. In high-fertility countries, empowerment through education and family planning is known to yield enormous dividends in the form of economic growth and human capital development. That is why UNFPA is calling for expanded efforts to realize bodily autonomy and support sexual and reproductive health and rights for all the foundation for full equality, dignity and opportunity. Every member of our human family has the right to make free and informed choices about their health, bodies and futures. This right should be the starting point for all conversations about population. Population is, after all, about people, about creating the conditions for all 8 billion of us to live freely and fully, equal in dignity and rights, on a healthy, safe and prosperous planet.