Health Care, Education Vital For Record Number Of Global Youth, UNFPA Report Says

News outlets discuss the findings of a recently released report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) that estimates 1.8 billion people worldwide are between the ages of 10 to 24 years old.

Thomson Reuters Foundation: Youth bulge could unleash rapid economic growth
“The record number of young people in the world today could unlock fast economic growth in many developing countries unless lack of access to health care and education hinder progress, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said on Tuesday…” (Caspani, 11/17).

New York Times: Global Number of Youths Is Highest Ever, U.N. Reports
“…The report is designed to shape the debate around new global development goals that are to be finalized next year. A bulge of young people creates obvious risks. Homicide rates are higher where there are more young people. And there is a strong correlation between the youthfulness of a society and the status of women: Levels of income inequality are higher where youths make up a higher share of the population…” (Sengupta, 11/17).

TIME: How Prioritizing Women’s Health Can Lift Countries Out of Poverty
“…Given the high number of youth and adolescents today, the U.N. report says several countries are poised for [accelerated economic growth] if they can ensure that their young people actually make it into the workforce. Several factors can contribute to this transition, like increasing living standards and creating transparent regulatory environments, but one of the greatest factors cited by the U.N. report is if a country significantly prioritizes and invests in women’s health, including sexual health…” (Sifferlin, 11/17).

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