The Bergen SDG Conference of 2022 featured a multitude of presentations that addressed important issues affecting our humanity. The Global Research Program on Inequality hosted a discussion with the editors and contributing authors of the book “Leaving No Child and No Adolescent Behind.” Among these experts was the director of Equity For Children, Alberto Minujin. He stated that the main objective for composing this book was to reflect on the meaning of inclusion and ways to meet SDG goals for children, adolescents and families in need. “It’s imperative that no one’s left behind.” Before these goals are met, we must view the root of the problem.
This book presents statistics and insight on the current situations that need to be addressed for the sake of children and adolescents living in unstable environments. Current data on child inequality shows:
-350 million families currently reside in slums
-This number will double by 2030.
-61% of these families are refugees
-47% are displaced in urban areas
-Half of the world’s children live in urban areas
-39% are deprived of an education
-Violence against children is high in numbers
Children and their families are excluded from the right resources that could help reduce these large quantities. The in-depth analysis on child inclusion through SDGs will only be fulfilled once we learn to advocate for the basic human needs of children, adolescents and their families.
