The state of the world's children

FOREWORD

Inequity imperils millions of children and threatens the future of the world.

As we look around the world today, we’re confronted with an uncomfortable but

undeniable truth: Millions of children’s lives are blighted, for no other reason than

the country, the community, the gender or the circumstances into which they

are born.

And, as the data in this report show, unless we accelerate the pace of our

progress in reaching them, the futures of millions of disadvantaged and vulnerable

children – and therefore the future of their societies – will be imperilled.

Before they draw their first breath, the life chances of poor and excluded children

are often being shaped by inequities. Disadvantage and discrimination against

their communities and families will help determine whether they live or die,

whether they have a chance to learn and later earn a decent living. Conflicts,

crises and climate-related disasters deepen their deprivation and diminish their

potential.

But it need not be so. As this report also illustrates, the world has made

tremendous progress in reducing child deaths, getting children into school and

lifting millions out of poverty. Many of the interventions behind this progress –

such as vaccines, oral rehydration salts and better nutrition – have been practical

and cost-effective. The rise of digital and mobile technology, and other innovations

have made it easier and more cost-effective to deliver critical services in hard-

to reach communities and to expand opportunities for the children and families at

greatest risk.