November 15th marks the day the world's population reaches 8 billion people. A historic moment in the rapid population growth on our planet, which should serve us as a moment of reflection.

It is very important to consider that, the global tendency towards an increasing population in numbers, carries with it the diversity of demographic developments at the global, regional but also national level for each country

High levels of birth, which are the driver for global population growth, are concentrated in a smaller and smaller number of countries. Already, 60% of people worldwide live in places with birth at or below the replacement level (2.1 children per woman). The number of countries where population growth has stalled is always increasing, even in some countries, the figures speak of lower population numbers.

Albania's population in the last three years has suffered a decline of 52,363. The rate of population declines in 2022 is -1.3% from -0.6% compared to a year earlier. This marks a change in the demographics of the country, where the most important factors are birth, mortality, and migration.

However, Albania continues to have a high population in the reproductive age group. This means that our society still has a lot of untapped potential in terms of increasing birthrate. To maintain this potential in Albania, comprehensive policies must be implemented, lowering neonatal mortality, adding investments for primary care, improving services during pregnancy, and at birth and after birth.

UNFPA Albania is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection to draft appropriate policies and establish appropriate services for each age group at the central and local level, as well as to increase access for all, without distinction economic, social, or individual status, not to leave anyone out of development processes.

Now that the world's population has reached 8 billion, UNFPA has some advice that governments must follow and undertake in response to demographic changes and to mitigate possible negative effects on individuals, society, and economists:

1. Make sure people have as many children as they want and when they want them.

2. Create societies where people want to live and plan their future.

3. Empower older people to remain healthy and active members of society.

4. Invest in family policies (and make sure they are not disadvantaged by women.)

5. Address stereotypes about gender roles in families and society.

6. Offer better opportunities for young people in education, employment, participation and decision-making, activation and inclusion, services, and entrepreneurship.

7. Build more comprehensive societies.

8. Generate better data for better policies