The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) presented the State of World Population 2011 report in Hanoi on Oct. 27.

UNFPA chief representative Bruce Campbell said the world’s population is projected to reach 7 billion on October 31, 2011, creating both opportunities and challenges.

Campbell said the figure of 7 billion inspires a call for cooperation across the globe, in each region and country, to reduce inequity and improve living conditions for present and future generations.

The UNFPA report, entitled “P eople and Possibilities in a World of 7 Billion” showed that the record population can be considered a success of human beings as people can live longer and many children can overcome illness to remain alive.

A world of 7 billion also creates opportunities and responsibilities to invest in 1.8 billion young people aged between 10-24, accounting for more than one-fourth of the world’s total population and with 90 percent of them living in developing countries. With sound policies, suitable investment and social assistance, young people can enjoy a healthier life, contributing to improving peace and political stability, said the report.

However, it pointed out challenges as the current population growth of around 78 million people each year will increase demand for natural resources and impose greater pressure on the environment.

According to the census in 2009, Vietnam is now entering a golden population period, with young people aged between 10-24 accounting for nearly one third of the nation’s total population.

UNFPA says the country can take advantage of the young workforce by ensuring that they all have access to basic social services, education and training. This will help them contribute to the country’s future socio-economic development./.