On the occasion of World Children’s Day on 20 November, the European Commission and the High Representative made the following statement:

“Today, the world is home to the largest generation of young people in history. Sadly, millions of children in the world, including 18 million in the EU, still live in poverty or social exclusion. Many more are at risk, as children continue to be the first to suffer from the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An estimated 466 million children around the world have no access to remote learning. Many have dropped out of school for good, affecting their life chances, well-being, development and protection.

Every child should enjoy the same rights and live free from discrimination and intimidation of any kind.

The EU supports education in around 100 countries worldwide, working with partner countries to minimise the impact of the pandemic and to facilitate a safe return to school. To build back better, the European Commission will significantly increase its investment in education in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia and the Pacific, over €6 billion by 2027. The focus will be on supporting partner countries to strengthen their education systems to deliver inclusive, equitable quality education for all.

[…] The EU has accelerated its efforts to decarbonise the European economy, restore nature, and ensure sustainable use of resources to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 – so that every child, now and in the future, can live a happy, healthy life on our planet.

We must invest in the present and future of all children. It is our responsibility and we will leave no child behind.”

For more information

Full statement