'Population is the relationship between people and resources. It is about how resources are consumed and how we can protect our environment.' (Dr. Mahran, Egypt's Minister for Population and Family Welfare) Although it is arguable what ratio of population to resources is endurable around the world, almost no one disagrees that population growth will create an intolerable quality of life in the next century, if efforts are not made to stabilise world population.

Some criticise this attitude as Western cultural imperialism and economic selfishness. Certainly the West is worried about what happens when the Third World develops to the extent that it eats up resources at the rate of the developed world. There is also the fear of ever greater pressure of migration -- from poor to rich areas. Cultural diversity, including religious diversity, should not be repressed -- and is at more risk from the television than contraceptive measures. But despite the claims of some Islamic thinkers, there are important universal values, rights to a level of living and freedom of life progress. Humanists strongly support global human values.

Two key factors emerged from the International Conference on Population and Development: the failure of an 'anti-materialist wing', combining Christians and Muslims, to coalesce; the development of an integrated approach to fertility control with a key role for women.

Population is not just about contraception and limiting family size. As Dr Mahran from Egypt pointed out:

It is about the dangerous and the morally unacceptable gap between the few getting richer and the majority getting poorer.

It is about how we can provide more hope for our children. The future lies not in arming but in educating for healthy generation.