Children and young people are more than future citizens—they are essential, active members of today’s society. Yet, around the world, children’s health care, education, social support, protection, and participation are often underfunded and undervalued. This webinar will explore why investing in children is not only a moral obligation, but also a necessary economic strategy. A promising future belongs to those nations that invest wisely in their children, while the failure to do so undermines social and economic progress.
Drawing on global research, the speakers will explore case studies from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Syria, and Slovakia to illustrate both the cost of inaction and the transformative impact of strategic investment in children’s health, safety, and development. Participants will examine barriers to pediatric HIV treatment in Nigeria, the investment required to end female genital mutilation in 31 priority countries, the costs of child malnutrition in Syria, and innovative approaches to integrating refugee services for Ukrainian children into Slovakia’s national budget planning. The speakers will share how these case studies, grounded in evidence and real-world experience, underscore the urgent need for child-centered budgeting and planning to be recognized as a global priority across sectors and regions.
