The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) brings together leaders, organisations and advocates to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. In 2026, we took part in conversations spanning the early years and youth livelihoods, two areas that are important to understanding and supporting children’s and young people’s well-being.
Investing in the early years
At a high-level event co-hosted by Theirworld and UNICEF through the Act for Early Years initiative, leaders and advocates highlighted what investment in the early years can make possible, showcasing action already taking place in cities and countries to support the youngest children.
The event also marked the announcement of the first-ever Global Early Years Finance Summit, planned for 2027. The Summit represents a further step in efforts to build momentum for the investment needed to give every child the best start in life.
Recognising the importance of the early years means recognising how the conditions children grow up in can shape their well-being and opportunities. Sustained attention and investment in this period are essential to ensuring that young children receive the support they need.
Bringing evidence on youth livelihoods into focus
A roundtable on evidence for youth livelihoods, organised by UNICEF Generation Unlimited and the Islamic Development Bank provided an opportunity to share expertise and explore how evidence can help us better understand young people’s circumstances and the factors shaping their opportunities.
Dominic Richardson and Vicky Aridi from the Learning for Well-being Foundation joined the discussion, bringing the organisations’ work into this wider exchange.
The discussion brought together experts from UNICEF, the Islamic Development Bank, Microsoft, Oxford and Georgetown Universities, Umuzi and Youth Business International.
Investment in the early years and a better understanding of young people’s livelihoods are both essential to supporting well-being throughout life. Taking part in these discussions connects our work with wider efforts to improve the conditions in which children and young people grow and develop.
Photo credit: Act for Early Years
