• It took about 12 years for the world population to grow from 7 to 8 billion. The next billion is expected to be reached in about 14.5 years (2037), reflecting a slowdown in world population growth. The world population is estimated to peak at 10.4 billion in 2080 and remain at that level until 2100.
• About 70 percent of the population that contributed to the increase from 7 to 8 billion live in low- and lower-middle-income countries. These two groups of countries are estimated to account for over 90% of the global increase from 8 to 9 billion people.
• From present by 2050, the world's population will grow substantially on account of the population of the countries with low- and lower-middle-income. On the other hand, the population of high-income and upper-middle income countries will increase on account of people aged 65 and over.

By 15 November 2022, the world population reached 8 billion, which means healthier people, lower risk of death and higher life expectancy. This point also represents a call for humanity to look beyond the numbers and take on the shared responsibility of protecting people and the planet, starting with the most vulnerable. To celebrate the moment when the population reached 8 billion people, the United Nations Population Fund in Moldova - UNFPA organized a flash mob ‘I am 1 of 8 billion in a world of endless possibilities’, highlighting the fact that every person, regardless of place of residence, age, religion, gender or health status has the same rights and opportunities. 

The event was attended by around 200 young people, elderly people, mothers and fathers with children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and refugees, together with UNFPA representatives and partners. The participants gathered teamwise for a few moments, forming the number 8, and then stepped aside, forming the symbol (∞), meaning that we live in a world of endless possibilities for each person who can individually contribute to a prosperous society.

‘The Republic of Moldova celebrates 8 billion people, being a part of this global process. Collectively, we represent infinite possibilities for action, growth and change. As eight billion, we have the power to alter the trajectory of the planet. By protecting individual rights, we can harness the unlimited potential of people around the world. It is in our power to contribute to a better world by adopting a healthier lifestyle, caring for the environment, promoting family equity, active aging, community participation, volunteering, reporting incidents of violence, etc.’, mentioned Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Resident Representative in Moldova.

The participants of the flashmob uttered the messages ‘I am 1 of 8 billion’ and ‘a world of infinite possibilities’. Among the 200 people was 73-year-old Gheorghe Radulescu, who mentioned that he was proud to be one of the 8 billion people on the globe: ‘I am 73 years old and I recently learned how to use a mobile phone, as I decide to age actively and healthy in a world that offers us opportunities!’

Globally, the world's population will continue to grow to the order of 10.4 billion by 2080, but at a slower rate - population growth has already slowed significantly and has begun to reverse in an increasing number of countries, mainly in Central and Eastern Europe. The Republic of Moldova is among the countries that are facing a decrease in population.

‘This moment, which affects the population of the entire globe and of which each of us is a part, is an opportunity to reflect on the key demographic trends taking place in the Republic of Moldova - low fertility, average life expectancy, migration, population ageing. The UNFPA regional program on demographic resilience, which the Republic of Moldova is a part of, supports the authorities in developing evidence-based demographic policies that meet the real needs of people and encourage mothers and fathers to have the desired number of children, employees to harmoniously combine family life with professional life, and give the elderly  people the opportunity to age actively and healthy’, Nigina Abaszade noted.

Also, today UNFPA launched the #1in8Billion symbolic installation, an action with which we emphasize that all people have equal rights and opportunities. The installation will reside for two weeks at the  fountain of Stefan the Great and Saint Park in Chișinău. Accordingly, throughout November, we encourage you to join the UNFPA campaign, take photos in front of the facility, share them on social media and tell us how you are contributing to a better world using #1in8Billion.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency in the field of population and development, supporting countries to increase their demographic resilience and maximize the opportunities associated with demographic change. The moment when the population reaches 8 billion people testifies to persistent inequalities and the need to focus on social inclusion as a key strategy for increasing the demographic resilience of the Republic of Moldova: empowering women, social inclusion of elder people, creating opportunities for youth, refugees and migrants, etc.