5. Proclamation - World Population Awareness WeekPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, more than one billion people - one sixth of th world's population - are between the ages of 15 and 24,
3j largest generation ever in this age bracket; and
the
WHEREAS, nearly half the world's population, and 63% in the least developed countries, is under age 25; and
WHEREAS, 17 million young women between the ages of 15 and 19 give birth every year, including some 13 million who
live in less developed countries; and early pregnancy and childbearing is associated with serious health risks, as well as less
education and lower future income potential for young mothers; and
WHEREAS, ri sks of dying from complications of pregnancy or childbirth are 25 times higher for girl s under 15, and 2 ti roes
higher for women between 15 and 19; and
WHEREAS, the choices young people make today regarding their sexual and reproductive lives, including responsible male
'i`behavior, will determine whether world population stabilizes at 8 billion or less, or 9 billion or more;
WHEREAS, the theme of World Population Awareness Week, proclaimed last year by United States Governors of 31
states, Mayor of 288 U.S. cities, and 266 organizations from 77 countries, is "Population and the Next Generation;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Pamela B. Kennedy, Mayor of the City of Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana do hereby proclaim
October 20 - 26, 2002 as
WORLD POPULATION AWARENESS WEEK
and urge all citizens of our state to take cognizance of this even and to participate opriately in its observance.
DATED this 21 st day of October
2002.
Pamela B. ennedy, Mayor