Future Forward: Advancing Adolescent Data, Measurement, and Advocacy Gaps

Co-Hosts: PMNCH, UNICEF, UNFPA, FP2030, and the Global Leaders Network for Women, Children and Adolescents

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Adolescence is a critical period of growth and opportunity, yet remains overlooked in many global health and development agendas. With 1.3 billion adolescents worldwide—representing one-sixth of the global population—ensuring their health and well-being is essential for achieving sustainable development. However, nearly one million adolescents die each year from preventable causes, mental health disorders are rising, and millions of girls in low- and middle-income countries face early pregnancy and maternal risks.

Despite strong evidence showing that investments in adolescent well-being deliver high returns, a lack of accountability mechanisms continues to hinder progress. This event, held on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), aims to elevate the urgency of integrating adolescent needs into national and global health priorities through stronger accountability frameworks.  

Objectives include:

- Launch of a guidance document and an accompanying data tool that help countries strengthening and using data on adolescent health and well-being for effective decision-making and action 
- Promoting the use of investment cases and measurement guidance to track outcomes and guide action
- Highlighting good practices and identifying gaps to strengthen accountability efforts across sectors and levels

Participants will explore how governments and partners can drive more effective implementation through data-informed policies, robust monitoring mechanisms, and sustained capacity-building efforts.

Join us in advancing a future where adolescents are prioritized, their rights upheld, and their well-being fully integrated into global health and development agendas.

Agenda