* The world is in the midst of an unprecedented population expansion. We face the prospect of a doubling of the population within the next 50 years. Most of this growth will take place in developing countries.

* High fertility rates are related to poverty, high infant mortality rates, low status and educational levels of women and deficiencies in reproductive health services.

* Resource use, waste production and environmental degradation are accelerated. * Our common goal is improving the quality of life for all people, those living today as well as the succeeding generations. Humanity's ability to deal successfully with its social, economic and environmental problems will require the achievement of zero population growth within the lifetime of our children.

Steps to be taken
* Most of the existing contraceptives are for use by women. Research on men's contraceptives is lagging. We need an ideal spectrum of contraceptive methods that are safe, reasonably priced, user-controlled, reversible and protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

* The social and economic status of women affects individual decisions to use family planning and other reproductive health services. Women's decision-making power depends on their roles in society and sexual relationships. Reproductive health services must include efforts to ensure women have equal opportunities and responsibilities in every sphere.

* Reproductive health services should provide safe contraceptive options irrespective of an individual's paying capacity. The authorities should encourage voluntary approaches to family planning and eliminate coercive practices.

* Development policies addressing basic needs such as clean water, sanitation, broad primary health care measures and education should be formulated.

* Developed nations need to become more efficient in resource use and environmental protection, and to eschew wasteful consumption. Mobilising technology to protect the environment should be an integral part of this new ethic of sustainable development.

* Scientists, engineers and health professionals should study and provide advice on cultural, social, economic, religious, educational and political factors that affect reproductive behaviour; conditions of human development, including the impediments caused by social inequalities; human resource development strategies; transition to economies that consume less and provide more for human welfare, and technologies and strategies for sustainable development.