Moving Forward to Accelerate Progress in Ending Violence Against Children

Every year, more than one billion children—half of the world’s children—experience some form of violence. The consequences are devastating for children, their communities, and society as a whole. Violence against children jeopardizes health and education outcomes, eroding the very foundation of stable societies and threatening future sustainable and inclusive economic growth. It is estimated that physical, sexual, and emotional violence against children costs societies 3% to 8% of global GDP. Without ending violence against children, we will not realize the promise of Agenda 2030 to achieve peaceful, equitable, and sustainable societies.

Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in addressing violence in childhood, particularly in legislation and the availability of services. We now know that preventing violence against children can yield a return of up to 5% of GDP. Yet, these efforts are not enough to meet the scale and pace needed to eradicate the problem and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals.

The upcoming High-Level Political Forum in July 2024, themed "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions," presents an opportunity to recognize the importance of ending violence against children as a transformative strategy to achieve peaceful, stable, and inclusive societies. It is also a critical moment to discuss progress in achieving SDG Target 16.2 on ending violence against children, just over three months before the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference to End Violence against Children.

The Global Ministerial Conference, scheduled for November 7-8, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia, aims to secure new commitments, launch the renewed Pathfinders 2.0 initiative, and establish the world's first child/youth-led movement against violence.

This event will bring together governments, international organizations, donors, civil society, survivors, and children to discuss the progress, opportunities, and challenges, and priorities for action in the next 6 years. The event will also promote the Ministerial Conference to End Violence against Children and bring perspectives from Member States that have started the national preparation process. To inform proceedings of the Conference, World Vision has reviewed national policies in 21 countries to identify progress achieved and main areas for action. This event will be used to share findings from this report We hope to have an open dialogue focused on solutions and joint action.

Host or Publisher World Vision, IEP