In 1989, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme recommended that 11 July be observed by the international community as World Population Day to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues.

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Addressing these topics is essential to addressing the needs of the world’s growing population and the impact this growth will have on development.