Amidst a confluence of global challenges, leading NGOs are calling for the U.S. government to prioritize children and youth in foreign assistance and better coordinate across issue areas and agencies. The health, wellbeing and economic security of an entire generation of young people is at stake. By investing now in their most critical needs, we can build a better present and a better future for every child.
We want all young people—from infancy to adolescence to youth—to have the chance to reach their fullest potential. Having the resources needed to transform their communities, societies and nations will build a better world for everyone.
COVID. Conflict. Climate. Global crises have upended young people’s lives around the world, undoing decades of progress to improve their wellbeing and amplify their voices.
A common-sense approach to U.S. foreign assistance funding, policies and programs that recognizes children’s and youth’s critical and interconnected needs—no matter where they live.
More than 7 million children have lost a parent or caregiver due to COVID-19. (Source: Imperial College London)
It is estimated that just 0.08% of the federal budget goes to children internationally. (Source: First Focus)
Reports of suspected online sexual exploitation and abuse of children increased 73% from 2019 to 2021.(Source: NCMEC)
Today, 16% of the global population—1.2 billion people—are 15 to 24 years old. By 2030, that number is expected to grow by 7%.
(Source: UN)
1 in 8 of the world’s children have been sexually abused, according to meta-analysis research. (Source: Child Maltreatment)
