Aspen Global Health and Development

7 Billion: Conversations That Matter

The “7 Billion: Conversations that Matter” roundtable series marks the fact that this year the world will reach the watermark of a population of seven billion, and the series is intended to bring thought leaders together around this issue from diverse sectors.  The series will explore key relationships between population, food security, reproductive health, the environment, health, and development overall in a series of provocative and informative conversations. 

The Aspen Institute’s DC-based roundtables are increasingly well known for featuring influential leaders discussing cross-cutting issues. Aspen creates a nonpartisan environment and attracts a cross-sectoral, engaged audience. The roundtable series have embraced a journalistic approach to cross-interviewing that moves discussion towards new insights and creates the space for audience participation. Issues are addressed in a frank and candid manner made possible by the intimate and informal setting, while events are streamed online and available for viewing to a much broader audience for maximum impact. Held at the central location of the Institute’s Dupont Circle offices, GHD’s roundtables will build a diverse community of leaders who will be exposed to the latest thinking about the centrality of reproductive health to development overall. 

Past 7 Billion roundtable events include:

"The Population Factor and Economic Growth: Trends and Revelations." December 8, 2010. View more information about the event. View video of the event.

"The Revolution We Need in Food Security and Population." April 12, 2011. View more information about the event. View video of the event. Read our blog on the event.

"Family Planning and U.S. Foreign Policy: Ensuring U.S. Leadership for Healthy Families and Communities and Prosperous, Stable Societies." May 4, 2011. Read the Council on Foreign Relations' Report. View more information about the event. View video of the event.

"Good Governance and the Women Dividend." September 7, 2011. View more information about the event. View video of the event. Read a Global Post blog responding to the event.

 "Lessons from the Crisis in Somalia." October 17, 2011. View more information about the event. View video of the event. Read a blog responding to the event.

"The Road to Rio+20: Climate Change, Population and Sustainability." January 12, 2012. View more information or press advisory about the event. View press release from the event. Read a blog responding to the event. View video of the event. Read a policy brief on the population/climate connection and on population growth, reproductive health and sustainable development.

"A Long Walk to Water: Women, Population and Access to Safe Water." April 18, 2012. View more information or media advisory about the event. View press release from the event. Read a blog responding to the event and view video of the event. Read a policy brief on the benefits of investing in reproductive health.