We call for a whole child and whole of life approach to ensure solutions are holistic, child and youth - centered, and address their intersecting needs. We recognize that young people have an important role in our future and are often the best champions for change.
There are myriad issues affecting healthy development and outcomes and many strong advocacy coalitions and foundations leading related efforts, such as:
A Whole Child lens requires multi-sectoral approach that explores gaps and opportunities and enables a holistic effort that benefits the “whole child.” The whole child approach is based on the understanding that progress and setbacks in any one sector impacts progress and setbacks in other sectors.
- Ending sexual exploitation and abuse, including online exploitation and human trafficking
- Ending gender-based violence, including child, early and forced marriage
- Strengthening family and community-based support for children and youth facing orphanhood
- Increasing early childhood development and expanding supports through the life cycle
- Providing equal access to quality education and a path for productive employment and livelihood
- Supporting healthy adolescent development for all
- Creating an enabling environment for full participation of marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities
- Achieving anti-discrimination where every person’s rights, dignity, and value are respected
- Providing food, water, physical and mental health services, shelter, and security
- Delivering human rights and humanitarian assistance that protects and supports everyone
A Whole Child lens requires multi-sectoral approach that explores gaps and opportunities and enables a holistic effort that benefits the “whole child.” The whole child approach is based on the understanding that progress and setbacks in any one sector impacts progress and setbacks in other sectors.