UNFPA Chief Representative Naomi Kitahara speaks at the event to mark the world's population milestone of 8 billion on November 15, 2022. (Photo: Mai Lien/VOV)

According to the World Population Prospects Report, the world’s population reached 8 billion on Tuesday (November 15).

UNFPA Chief Representative Naomi Kitahara said: "Despite challenges, the story behind 8 billion and how we have gotten here is the story of triumph. We have reduced poverty and achieved a remarkable advancement."

Pham Hoai Nam, Director of the Population and Labor Statistics Department of the General Statistics Office, said the Vietnamese population has increased significantly but challenges remain including an aging population.

At an event in Hanoi on November 15, 2022 for a new milestone in the world population, spreading a message of ‘8 Billion: A World of Infinite Possibilities’. (Photo: Mai Lien/VOV5)

"Vietnam’s population will reach 100 million by mid-May 2023. Vietnam is among the 15 countries with the largest labor potential in the world. This is an opportunity but also a challenge. The Vietnamese population is aging and the labor force is shrinking. Vietnam needs to review its macro-economic policies, particularly population policies.' said Mr. Nam.

Some works joining the drawing contest “I am in the 8 billion” organized by UNFPA and Vietnam Television.

On the occasion, UNFPA and Vietnam Television awarded winners of the drawing contest “I am in the 8 billion” with the theme “People are the solution, not the problem.”

The organizer has also planned for two intercity buses to carry the message “8 Billion Hopes, 8 Billion Dreams, 8 Billion Solutions” from north to south between November 16 and 30.