Today we celebrate the day of all inhabitants of the planet - World Population Day. Its theme this year is "A World of 8 Billion". This motto reminds us that by focusing on statistics, we often lose sight of the well-being of people: each of us and all of humanity.

By the end of this year, there will be 8 billion of us. Therefore, it is essential to develop human capital to create inclusive, productive communities that value human and reproductive rights. Only then will we be able to overcome the challenges facing the entire planet and create a world in which health, dignity and education are actual rights, not someone's privilege or loud promises. A world of opportunity in which there are 8 billion people, each is treated as an individual, not as population.

On World Population Day, UNFPA reminds us that we should all be alarmed when women are unable to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights and choices – whether because of disruptions to health services or because gender discrimination prevents them from making decisions about accessing healthcare or using contraception. When women can make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, and when they have access to services that support their choices, individuals and societies are healthier and more productive.