State of the World's Children 2011 - Adolescence An Age of Opportunity

View Report
View Executive Summary

The SOWC is a global publication issued annually by the UNICEF Executive Director with the principal objective of raising the level of awareness and stimulating public discussion on the situation of children throughout the world. It is one of UNICEF’s key publications and arguably the most comprehensive statement made on behalf of children all over the world.

This year’s report focuses attention on adolescents (10-19 year olds) and highlights statistics and information about the challenges and opportunities facing adolescents globally in the areas of health, education, protection and participation. SOWC 2011 details the importance of investing in adolescence.

The Pacific region comes under the spotlight in this publication through an essay written by the President of the Republic of Kiribati, Mr. Anote Tong. President Tong’s essay draws attention to and highlights the impact of climate change on the lives of young people in his country. Kiribati is among the most vulnerable globally to the impacts of climate change and will be among the first to be affected by sea level rise.

“Investing in adolescents can break entrenched cycles of poverty and inequity. The economic and social progress of nations depends on harnessing the potential, energy and skills of these young people.”

Help us Bang the Drum for children’s rights in the Pacific!