"In September 1994, world leaders will gather in Cairo, Egypt, for the third decennial United Nations conference on population. The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) provides a crucial opportunity to address trends in population growth and resource consumption that pose grave threats to the quality of life on earth." "Beyond the Numbers presents a thought-provoking series of essays by leading authorities on issues of population and consumption. The essays both define the poles of debate and explore common ground beyond the polarized rhetoric. As well as providing a sense of the complex nature of these issues, they make clear that constructive action is possible." "Topics covered include the interrelationships between population, economic growth, resource consumption, and development; the history of population and family planning efforts; gender equality and the empowerment of women; reproductive rights, reproductive health, and family planning; international migration and urbanization; religious perspectives on population; and population and national security."--Jacket.