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Comparable investments in sub-Saharan Africa could add hundreds of billions to the region ’ s economies annually . Most importantly , capturing and maximizing a demographic dividend can lift millions of people out of poverty .
UNFPA is working with the World Bank and governments in the Sahel region of Africa to empower women and girls and accelerate the demographic transition . Special efforts focus on advancing the rights of adolescent girls and women , expanding girls ’ education and access to reproductive health services including voluntary family planning , and eliminating child marriage .
With 1.8 billion young people aged 10 to 24 living in our world today , and nine out of 10 of them in less developed countries , it is time to make their needs , rights and participation a priority .
We can no longer afford to leave adolescents and young people behind .
With the right policies and investments , young people can be an immense source of productivity , innovation and creative dynamism to accelerate sustainable development and peace and stability . ■