UN experts are monitoring a relentless, indeed accelerating, rise in the world's population.

The expected new peak of six billion by next summer means the population has doubled in less than 60 years.

Dr Nafis Sadik, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund, is calling on governments to match the noble commitments and goals of the 1994 population conference in Cairo.

Dr Sadik's target is full access to information and services on reproductive health - including family planning - by the year 2015.

She says 99% of the increase is taking place in the developing world, with the result that governments in these countries are unable to provide basic education or basic health needs.

Education

The UN says education is the key to resolving the population crisis.

Health centres in communities as far apart as Moscow and rural South Africa are doing their best.

Community initiatives vary, from health-care centres staffed by qualified advisers to role-playing amongst teenagers.

Such informal projects - using music and drama - make it easier for youngsters to discuss sensitive issues like birth control, teenage pregnancy and Aids.

But the UN is still warning that next year's six billion mark will be quickly eclipsed.

Just how long it takes to reach seven billion, let alone 12 billion, depends on the actions taken by the world's governments now.