These actions hold promise, but they are far too few. No country is making enough use of the institutions already in place, especially schools, religious institutions and youth clubs, to provide a safe haven for young people to work out their concerns with each other and with supportive adults. A couple of decades ago, before the age of child rights, before the age of AIDS, adolescents in developing countries were the nearly forgotten people. But a social revolution is under way. It presents an opportunity to change the rules, to transform not only their lives but the path their nations follow in the 21st century.
Young people are full of energy and ideas.
It is up to us to make sure that both girls and boys have the opportunity to capitalize on their monumental potential.