On the occasion of ‘World Children’s Day’ on Wednesday 20 November, UNICEF released their report titled ‘The State of the World’s Children 2024: The Future of Childhood in a Changing World’, which presents these three major trends.
In his message on this International Day, the UN Secretary-General expressed outrage that it is shocking to see children in the 21st century living hungry, illiterate and without basic health care.
“It is a stain on the conscience of humanity when children’s lives are disrupted by poverty and disaster.”
Climate matters
A UNICEF report warns that children’s risk of extreme heat waves could increase eightfold in the coming years and flood risk could triple compared to the 2000s.
After last year’s record-breaking temperatures, climate risks will affect children more than others depending on their socio-economic situation and access to resources.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said children are facing a variety of crises, from climate shocks to online threats, and the intensity is expected to increase over time.
“Creating a better future in 2050 will require more than imagined. It requires action. “Decades of progress, especially for girls, are at risk.”
Population change
The report shows that child populations are changing dramatically and that sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia will have the largest number of children by 2050.
However, the percentage of the elderly population is also increasing and the share of children in the population is expected to decline in every region of the world.
Despite the high levels, the child population in Africa will fall below 40 percent, compared to about 50 percent in the 2000s. While it can reach below 17 percent in East Asia and Western Europe, the figure was 29 percent and 20 percent, respectively, in the 2000s.
These demographic changes pose challenges and place the burden on some countries to expand services for child populations, while others strive to meet the needs of an increasingly aging population.
The digital divide
The rise of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology has created new opportunities, but the report also highlights the digital divide.
In 2024, 95 percent of people in high-income countries had access to the Internet, compared to just 26 percent in low-income countries.
According to the study, youth in developing countries are struggling to develop digital skills and this is affecting their educational and professional prospects.
A sign of hope
Despite these concerns, some positive trends have also emerged. As life expectancy continues to rise and it is estimated that by 2050, 96 percent of children worldwide will have primary education.
Additionally, investing in education and public health, and adopting stronger environmental protection measures, can reduce the gender gap and address risks.
The United Nations Children’s Fund calls for greater investment in infrastructure, technology, critical services and social support systems to ensure every child is included in the development process.