MO*lecture Hania Zlotnik & Fred Pearce: 7 Billion People: Development Disaster or Opportunity?

Every day the world adds 209.000 inhabitants and the UN expects us to be 7 billion on earth from October 31th. Will we welcome him or her with peace on earth for everyone? Or will the reality be gloomier, and will the explosive population growth erase all the positive effects of our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint? Will the youth from the South produce the dynamism and the workforce we need to absorb the aging populations in the North? Could, what we have so often seen as a major problem, present itself as a force for good in the future? And how do we connect all these questions with human rights –and particularly with women’s rights?

Two internationally recognized experts will debate about population, climate, migration and development.

Hania Zlotnik, head of the UN Population Division, is globally seen as one of the most authoritative voices when it comes to population trends and migration. She will come to Brussels exclusively for this conference.

Fred Pearce authored many books, among them important works on population and climate change. He writes for the New Scientist and The Guardian.

Gie Goris (editor-in-chief of MO*magazine) will introduce the conference and moderate the debate.

Practical info

• When: Monday 7 November, 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm
• Where: Kaaitheater, Sainctelettesquare 20, 1000 Brussels (a map is available on: www.kaaitheater.be)  
• Language: English
• Tickets: € 5 (payable at the ticket counter)
• Registration: Required, at info@mo.be  or 02 536 19 77.
• Organisation: MO* in cooperation with Vlaams-Nederlands Huis deBuren
• Partners: UNFPA, Kaaitheater, Beursschouwburg, Vooruit and Zuiderpershuis.

On Monday 19 December, another MO lecture is planned. The well-known economist Ms. Esther Duflo will come to Brussels for a presentation on poverty elimination and development cooperation. More information can be found at this link. Register early, as seating is limited.