The world’s children face unparalleled crises. Climate change, economic instability, and conflict intensify daily. These challenges intertwine, creating widespread risks. Geopolitical tensions worsen these issues. Nations struggle to cooperate, halting global solutions. Children suffer as systems fail to protect their rights and well-being.
Building resilient systems is critical. Disaster preparedness, adaptable education, and inclusive healthcare must anchor efforts. These systems must address immediate needs and expect future crises, says a new report.
GEOPOLITICS: RISING CONFLICTS THREATEN CHILDREN
Global conflicts directly harm children. Over 473 million lived in conflict zones in 2023. That’s one in six children globally.
Legal norms in armed conflicts are eroding. Multilateral systems face deadlocks, making global responses ineffective. Peacekeeping missions decline sharply.
Innovative efforts like “minilateralism” offer hope. These flexible alliances involve state and non-state actors. Yet, sustained global commitment is essential to reversing losses.
Traditional emergency responses fail to address prolonged crises. Linking humanitarian relief, development, and peace building—the Triple Nexus approach—offers a holistic solution.
Action Plan:
Strengthen legal frameworks at the national level. Enforce international child-rights and humanitarian laws. This ensures accountability and compliance.
ECONOMICS: DEBT CRISIS LIMITS INVESTMENT IN CHILDREN
Economic instability hits children hardest. Nearly 400 million kids live in debt-distressed countries. These nations prioritize debt payments over essential services.
Developing nations now spend 14% of revenues on interest payments. This figure has doubled in 15 years. Education and health services suffer.
In some African countries, debt servicing exceeds education budgets. Social protection spending lags far behind debt repayment. The result? A bleak future for millions.
Failing to invest in kids undermines their potential. It also reduces a country’s ability to repay debts in the long term.
Action Plan:
Introduce a “Children’s Debt Reset.” Suspend debt payments during crises. Redirect funds to health, education, and social protection.
Reform international financial systems. Guarantee sustainable development funding prioritizes intergenerational equity and their welfare.
CLIMATE CHANGE: CHILDREN ON THE FRONTLINES OF A WARMING PLANET
Climate change disproportionately affects kids. Rising global temperatures increase health risks. Children under five bear 88% of climate-related disease burdens.
Current climate policies neglect their vulnerabilities. Few Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) include child-specific measures. Climate financing also lacks focus on kids.
Only 2.4% of multilateral climate funds address child-responsive initiatives. This shortfall leaves them vulnerable to climate-induced disasters.
Corporate practices impact sustainability efforts. Businesses must adopt environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards that consider child rights. Litigation is another emerging tool for change.
Action Plan:
Incorporate child-centered commitments in climate policies. Prioritize dedicated funding for child-focused climate projects. Strengthen ESG regulations for sustainable development.
Empower them through climate education. Equip them to advocate for their rights and participate in global climate initiatives.
TECHNOLOGY: BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR CHILDREN
Digital public infrastructure (DPI) transforms service delivery. It can improve access to education, healthcare, and financial support for kids and families.
Digital IDs, linked to vital records, provide lifelong benefits. Seamless digital payment systems reduce risks and ensure financial aid reaches families.
Despite these advances, digital inequality persists. In Africa, only 53% of youth have internet access. Adolescent girls and kids with disabilities face the greatest barriers.
DPI offers immense potential but risks exclusion. Marginalized groups must remain a priority in its implementation.
Action Plan:
Ensure DPI systems prioritize inclusion. Address digital access gaps for girls and kids with disabilities.
Promote digital literacy for youth. Enable secure data sharing across health, education, and social services.
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE: ALIGNING PRIORITIES FOR CHILDREN’S FUTURE
The global governance system faces unprecedented challenges. Fragmentation threatens collective responses to health, education, and climate adaptation needs.
Resilient national systems are vital. They standardize processes, pool resources, and expand successful initiatives. These systems ensure consistent and equitable implementation.
Shock-responsive systems protect services during crises. Child-centered budgets allocate resources where they’re needed most. Public-private partnerships enhance national efforts.
Action Plan:
Develop shock-responsive health, education, and protection systems. Integrate anticipatory governance tools to prepare for future crises.
Restructure debt to prioritize child-focused investments. Leverage private sector expertise for scalable solutions.
