22-November-2024-Special-Article

STATE OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN 2024

UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 report examines key trends affecting children’s futures by 2050.

It focuses on three major forces shaping children’s lives: demographic changes, climate challenges, and emerging technologies.

The report highlights global and India-specific insights to address these evolving challenges.

Key Findings of the SOWC 2024 Report

1. Child Survival

• Over 98% of newborns now survive globally, and 99.5% of children live past the age of five.
• Life expectancy has risen to 81 years for girls and 76 years for boys born in the 2050s, compared to 70 years and 66 years, respectively, for those born in the 2000s.

2. Climate Hazards

• Children are likely to face significantly more extreme weather events by 2050:

• 8 times more heatwaves.
• 1 times more river floods.
• 7 times more wildfires.
• 3 times more droughts.
• 2 times more tropical cyclones.

3. Socioeconomic Conditions

• By 2050, 23% of children will live in low-income countries, a rise from 11% in the 2000s.

4. Education

• The education gap between boys and girls is narrowing globally.
• More girls are completing secondary education, particularly in some regions.

5. Gender Equality

• Gender inequality is expected to decline globally by 2050.
• However, parts of Eastern and Southern Africa, as well as West and Central Africa, will still face significant disparities.

6. Conflict Exposure

• Children living in conflict zones are projected to decrease to 622 million by 2050, from over 833 million in the 2000s.

7. Urbanisation

• By 2050, 60% of children will live in urban areas, compared to 44% in the 2000s.

Megatrends Shaping Children’s Lives

1. Demographic Changes

• The global child population will stabilize at 2.3 billion by 2050.
• Growth will be concentrated in South Asia, Eastern and Southern Africa, and West and Central Africa.
• Africa’s share of the global child population will fall below 40%, while East Asia, Western Europe, and North America will drop below 19%.

2. Climate Crisis

• Nearly 1 billion children are exposed to high climate risks, including pollution, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss.
• Children are especially vulnerable due to developing organs like their brains, lungs, and immune systems.
• Since 2022, extreme weather has disrupted education for over 400 million students globally.

3. Frontier Technologies

• Innovations like artificial intelligence, mRNA vaccines, and renewable energy could improve children’s futures.
• However, internet connectivity disparities persist: 95% of people in high-income countries are connected, compared to only 26% in low-income nations.

India-Specific Findings

1. Child Population

• By 2050, India will have the largest child population globally, with approximately 350 million children, accounting for 15% of the global total.
• Along with China, Nigeria, and Pakistan, India will represent more than one-third of the world’s child population.

2. Climate Risks

• India ranks 26th on UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI), indicating high exposure to climate-related hazards.
• Indian children face significant risks from heatwaves, floods, droughts, and air pollution.
• CCRI assesses countries based on children’s vulnerability to climate shocks and their access to essential services.

UNICEF’s Role and Contributions

1. About UNICEF

• A global organization committed to ensuring every child survives, thrives, and fulfills their potential.
• Operates in over 190 countries, providing impartial, non-political, and neutral support.

2. Key Initiatives

• Focuses on education, healthcare, nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and climate adaptation.
• Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989.

3. India Partnership

• UNICEF has collaborated with India for over 75 years.
• In 1992, India ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child to protect and uphold children’s rights.

4. Recognition

• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 for promoting global peace and cooperation.

Recommendations to Secure Children’s Future

1. Prepare for Demographic Changes

• Expand access to maternal and child healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services.
• Design child-friendly urban spaces with inclusive infrastructure and support for marginalized children.

2. Climate Mitigation and Education

• Address children’s needs in climate strategies like National Adaptation Plans.
• Build climate-resilient schools, healthcare systems, and social services.

3. Digital Access and Safety

• Promote digital literacy among children and educators to complement traditional education.
• Implement governance frameworks to manage risks from emerging technologies.

Conclusion

The SOWC 2024 report underscores the urgency of proactive planning to address climate risks, demographic shifts, and technological challenges.

Ensuring access to healthcare, education, and digital opportunities, while addressing environmental vulnerabilities, is critical to protecting children’s rights and promoting their well-being globally.

Mains question:

 “Examine the key findings of UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 report and discuss how demographic shifts, climate challenges, and frontier technologies will shape the future of children globally and in India by 2050.” (150 WORDS)