The Year the World Changed Forever: Global Population Hits 5 Billion

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Published Jul 12, 2026

In 1987, the United Nations officially marked a massive milestone: the global population hitting 5 billion people. UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar traveled to Zagreb to meet the symbolic five-billionth baby. UN officials said this milestone was less of a celebration and more of a time to reflect on what must be done to support the future of humanity.

As of 2026, the world's population has climbed past 8 billion people. This classic archival footage features Dr. Nafis Sadik presenting the Secretary-General with a global population clock, highlighting a historic demographic shift that changed our planet forever.