Summary:
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One example of how crises affecting millions of people worldwide, including children, have an interconnected effect on one another is the war in Ukraine, which has led to rising food and energy costs, global hunger, and inflation.
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In addition to these major topics, the paper “Prospects for Children in 2023: A Global Outlook” also examines several other important ones, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic’s effects, the fragmentation of the internet, and the climate crisis.
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However, many don’t feel ready for these new occupations, so any green energy strategy must prioritize providing young job seekers with training possibilities.5) Prioritize debt relief for developing nations and climate finance while developing nations struggle to recover from the epidemic, handle the climate problem, and manage economic stress, financial assistance to these nations is not rising to keep up with their rising requirements.
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Young people will probably continue to play a significant role in social movements in 2023, whether they focus on gender equality, mental health, education, or climate change.
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A free, inclusive, and safe online environment will undoubtedly be promoted in 2023, and we must take advantage of any opportunity to build a digital future that helps children.
One example of how crises affecting millions of people worldwide, including children, have an interconnected effect on one another is the war in Ukraine, which has led to rising food and energy costs, global hunger, and inflation.
The paper “Prospects for Children in 2023: A Global Outlook” also looks at several other important issues, such as the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the fragmentation of the internet, and the climate crisis. Here are eight study-related conclusions.
1) Although the pandemic throws a long shadow, medical advancements provide hope
In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, the world still needs strong health security, and many countries are still at risk. Children are very frequently the most vulnerable, both to the virus itself and all of its effects.
The pandemic has also significantly changed how vaccines are made and how international health systems work. These changes must continue in 2023.
Vaccination of a youngster in Hasakeh City, Syria (file)
2) The fight against inflation has unforeseen consequences for child poverty
The biggest economic story of the year has been rising inflation, which hurts families and children in a lot of bad ways. Trying to keep prices from rising can also have harmful effects, like slowing economic growth and making it harder for young people to find jobs.
By taking steps to improve and protect social benefits, the government protects the most vulnerable people from the effects of economic austerity.
3) The lack of food and nutrients is expected to persist
Extreme weather, bottlenecks in critical supply networks, and wars like the one in Ukraine have all made it harder for people to get enough food.
Families worldwide find it more difficult to feed their children as costs rise, and this trend is set to continue in 2023.
One approach to addressing this issue is to strengthen global food systems.
Safidy Andrianantenain for UNICEF4) Energy crises have an immediate negative impact, but focusing on sustainability leads to a more sustainable future.
The cost of living is dramatically rising for billions of people due to rising energy prices, and the future is uncertain through 2023.
With the potential to provide new jobs for young people, this outlook has increased focus on the switch to clean and sustainable energy sources.
But many of them don’t feel ready for these new jobs, so any green energy strategy must put training opportunities for young people at the top of its list.
5) Prioritize debt relief for developing nations and climate finance
While developing countries struggle to recover from the epidemic, handle the climate problem, and manage economic stress, financial assistance to these nations is not rising to keep up with their rising requirements.
Without steps to free up more money for development, resources will be spread out less evenly and urgent needs won’t be met, which is terrible for kids.
Aleksey Filippov for UNICEF6) Social movements strike back while democracy is under attack.
In recent years, democracy has been under growing threat, and this trend will continue in 2023. Unrest in the government can lead to good changes in society, but it can also pave the way for dictators.
Young people will probably continue to play a significant role in social movements in 2023, whether they focus on gender equality, mental health, education, or climate change. Their lobbying will be effective and help the shift gain traction.
7) More conflict makes it harder to assist children
Multilateralism becomes more challenging in a climate of rising factionalism because more children are in need than ever before and because a hostile world is less likely to result in good things for kids.
Multilateral organizations must work together more effectively to address children’s issues; there are still chances to put differences aside, find common ground, and prioritize children’s welfare.
8) The internet grows more fractured and less open
The internet is fragmenting into islands with its ways of connecting and running things due to technological, commercial, and political factors.
Children are significantly affected because they use the internet for school and making friends. In 2023, there will be no doubt that an accessible, inclusive, and safe online environment will be pushed, and we must use every chance we get to build a digital future that helps children.
Without steps to free up more money for development, resources will be spread out less evenly, and urgent needs won’t be met, which is terrible for kids.
