Young people 10 to 24 years old make up nearly one-quarter of the world’s population, the largest population of youth in history. They are a generation characterized by opportunity, technology, and innovation with the potential and passion to create enormous social change through unprecedented participation, connection, and leadership. However, youth are also highly vulnerable to violations of their rights and disproportionately impacted by devastating health and social problems, including unintended pregnancy, maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS, and early and forced marriage.

Investing in the health and human rights of young people will be key to achieving the goals and objectives set out by USAID and other donors to tackle the challenges faced by young people around the world. Panelists will discuss how addressing the diverse needs of today’s young people is critical to achieving broader global health and development goals; how young people are currently impacted by these issues; and the role that governments, donors, and other partners play in working with young people to ensure their health and rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.