A country's level of human development reflects its investments one or two decades earlier and a true measure of a nation’s standing is how well it attends to its children. Investing in children and youth, in their health and safety, their material security, their education and socialization, and their sense of being loved, valued, and included is critical.

Adolescent Health and Development
The world's population of young people is the largest in history. Ninety percent live in developing countries. New epidemics are making young people worldwide increasingly vulnerable. [Read more]

Youth Employment
Unemployment increases the exposure of youth to many social and economic risks, particularly in poor and conflict-affected countries. [read more]

Child Protection
The well-being of millions of children continues to be compromised. Increasingly large numbers become orphans, street children, refugees, victims of war and emergencies, migrant workers, or abused and exploited. [read more]

Disability
Around 400 million people in developing countries live with a disability, outnumbering most other marginalized groups. More than half are children and youth. [read more]

Gender Equity and Men's Participation
Women comprise seventy percent of the world's poor. Their life-long lack of empowerment and their weak position within the family structure is a major factor in the entrenched high rates of poverty and poor maternal health. [read more]

Water and Sanitation
Safe water and sanitation are critical for human health. More than one billion people are without access to safe water. [read more]