Adolescents in a changing world: the case for urgent investment

Overview

As we reach the halfway mark of the SDGs, the global landscape has been marred by unprecedented challenges. Among the most affected demographics are adolescents. Despite these adversities, adolescents have demonstrated remarkable resilience, emerging as catalysts for positive change, embodying hope, and serving as sources of inspiration for communities worldwide.

Today, adolescents make up more than 16% of the world’s population. They are a demographic which is often overlooked or misunderstood. In recent years, there has been more recognition of the unique challenges to well-being confronting adolescents, and of the need to address these in development agendas, but action has been slow.

This report focuses on the imperative of investing holistically in adolescents and their well-being. Such investments can reduce inequalities and help to protect the human rights of adolescents. As is evident throughout the report, the economic and social returns from a wide range of investments to address adolescent well-being are significant.

The report makes a compelling case for investing in adolescents, they are living in a world facing multifaceted crises, and they will be tomorrow’s changemakers and leaders. The staggering cost of inaction is estimated at US$110 trillion over a period of 27 years (2024-50). That amounts to 7.7% of the total GDP of those countries included in the models, which themselves include around 80% of the world’s population.

The report provides valuable insights into interventions where investments will yield high returns, including those focused on health services and multisectoral interventions, for example on HPV, TB, myopia, education and training, child marriage and road accident prevention. This evidence base is crucial for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, educators, donors, and civil society organizations as we map the road ahead for a better and more sustainable future.

As well, the report is a significant step forward in advocating for adolescent well-being, where adolescents have the support, confidence, and resources to thrive in contexts of secure and healthy relationships, and realizing their full potential and rights. It calls for more prioritisation, increased investment, and immediate action for adolescent well-being.

Finally, investing in adolescents and their well-being strengthens the human capital of a country, and hence a country’s potential for future development and for ending extreme poverty and creating more inclusive societies.

As we embark on this journey, we eagerly anticipate the discussions and collaboration this report will catalyse, around creating futures where adolescents are empowered to thrive in a secure and healthy environment and realise their full potential and rights.