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The electronic preparation of this document has been done by the
Population Information Network(POPIN) of the United Nations Population
Division in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme
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 AS WRITTEN

Statement On Population Stabilization
By World Leaders

     Humankind has many challenges: to obtain a lasting peace between
nations; to preserve the quality of the environment; to conserve natural
resources at a sustainable level; to advance the economic and social
progress of the less developed nations; to assure basic human rights and
at the same time accept responsibility for the planet Earth and future
generations of children; and to stabilize population growth.

     Degradation of the world's environment, income inequality, and the
potential for conflict exist today because of rapid population growth,
among other factors. If this unprecedented population growth continues,
future generations of children will not have adequate food, housing,
health services, education, earth resources, and employment
opportunities.

     We believe that the time has come now to recognize the world-wide
necessity to achieve population stabilization and for each country to
adopt the necessary policies and programs to do so, consistent with its
own culture and aspirations.

     To enhance the integrity of the individual and the quality of life
for all, we believe that all nations should participate in setting goals
and programs for population stabilization. Measures for this purpose
should be voluntary and should maintain individual human rights and
beliefs.

     We urge national leaders to take an active personal role in
promoting effective policies and programs. Emphasis should be given to
improving the status of women respecting human rights and beliefs, and
achieving the active participation of women in formulating policies and
programs. Attention should be given to setting realistic goals and
timetables and developing appropriate economic and social policies.

     Recognizing that early population stabilization is in the interest
of all nations we earnestly hope that leaders around the world will
share our views and join with us in this great undertaking for the well-
being and happiness of people everywhere.

     The statement has been signed by the heads of government of the
following countries:

Austria
Bangladesh
Barbados
Bhutan
Botswana
Cape Verde
China, Peoples Republic of
China, Republic of
Colombia
Cyprus
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Fiji
Ghana
Grenada
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Korea, DPR
Korea, Republic of
Liberia
Libya
Macedonia
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Mauritius
Morocco
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Nigeria
Pakistan
Panama
Peru
Philippines
Romania
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadies
Sao tome and Principe
Senegal
Seychelles
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Surinam
Tanzania
Thailand
Tonga, Kingdom of
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Zimbabwe

