A Future Worth Fighting For: A Call to Action for The Welfare of Every Child in The World

Executive Summary

In 2024, global child welfare remains a critical challenge. Despite progress in some areas, millions of children worldwide continue to live in poverty, suffer from malnutrition, lack access to education, and are exposed to violence. The statistics presented underscore the urgent need for concerted action to improve the welfare of children everywhere. This report explores the current state of child welfare, the impact of poverty, and the necessary steps to promote the well-being of children globally.

Introduction

Children represent 29% of the global population, with over 2.3 billion children** worldwide. However, a significant proportion of these children face substantial challenges due to poverty, lack of access to education, and inadequate healthcare. The situation is particularly dire in conflict zones and low-income countries, where the impacts of poverty are most severe. This report highlights with key data related the importance of promoting children's well-being as a fundamental pillar of global development.

Relevant statistics and data, 2024

• Population

- The global population of children, defined as individuals aged 0-18, is approximately 2.3 billion.

- 680 million children are under the age of 5, a critical period for development and health.

• Child Poverty

- 356 million children (approximately 1 in 5) live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 a day.

- More than 1.3 billion children (about 66% of all children globally) experience multi-dimensional poverty, meaning they lack access to essential services such as education, healthcare, safe drinking water, shelter and sanitation.

• Health and Malnutrition

- 149 million children under 5 suffer from stunting, a result of chronic undernutrition.

- 45 million children suffer from wasting (acute malnutrition), facing a higher risk of death if untreated.

• Education

- 260 million children are out of school globally, with significant disparities in access, especially for girls, children with disabilities, and those in conflict zones.

• Child Mortality

- Every year, 5 million children (about 14,000 children per day) die from preventable causes, such as pneumonia, diarrheal diseases, and malnutrition.

• Conflicts and Wars

- 420 million children live in conflict zones, where they are exposed to violence, forced recruitment, and lack of basic services.

- 35 million children are displaced due to conflict or natural disasters, facing heightened risks to their health and safety.

The Need for Action: Promoting Children's Welfare

• The Moral and Economic Imperative

Promoting the welfare of children is both a moral obligation and an economic necessity. Children are the future of any society, and investing in their well-being ensures that they can contribute positively to the community and economy. The global community must provide children with access to essential services—nutrition, education, shelter, healthcare, and security—if we are to break the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable world.

• Key Areas for Improvement

To ensure a brighter future for children, the following areas require urgent attention:

- Nutrition and Health: Improved access to nutritious food, healthcare, and immunizations is critical to reducing malnutrition and preventable child deaths.

- Education: Ensuring access to quality education for all children, especially girls and those in conflict zones, is vital for breaking the cycle of poverty.

- Social Protection: Expanding social protection programs to cover the most vulnerable children can mitigate the impacts of poverty and provide a safety net for families in need.

- Protection from Violence: Addressing the impact of conflict, violence, and exploitation on children, particularly in conflict zones, is crucial to safeguarding their futures.

In conclusion, the statistics provided above highlight the ongoing challenges faced by children worldwide, particularly in the areas of poverty, malnutrition, education, and safety. While progress has been made in some areas, much work remains to be done. Promoting the welfare of children is essential for achieving long-term social and economic stability. It is imperative that global efforts continue to focus on ensuring that every child has access to the resources and opportunities they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

References

• UNICEF, "The State of the World’s Children 2024."

• United Nations, "Global Trends: Forced Displacement 2024."

• World Bank, "World Development Report 2024: Accelerating the End of Extreme Poverty."