By Ayush Shrestha Joshi and Dil Air

As world leaders gather in New York for the UN Summit for the Future to discuss progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), review major achievements and suggest course corrections, there is one perspective that must be considered if we are to truly achieve the SDGs and ensure that no one is left behind – listening to and engaging with children. The success of the SDGs hinges on how effectively we include the voices of children, who are often overlooked and underrepresented in decision-making processes.

A recent child-informed review of Nepal's progress on the SDGs, conducted by Save the Children, highlights that while progress has been made, significant gaps remain-especially in areas affecting the most vulnerable children. Issues such as unequal access to education, health disparities and persistent gender inequality have disproportionately impacted children from Dalit, LGBTQI+ and economically disadvantaged communities.

The Child Scorecard initiative, led by Save the Children, is a child-centered data collection tool that engages children through consultation and child-friendly methods, such as an emoji board. The initiative critically analysed seven of the global goals that directly impact children's well-being and development: Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 16 (Peace and Justice).

This child-informed assessment calls for urgent strategic interventions. Despite Nepal's many achievements, critical areas still falter, with serious repercussions for the well-being and future of children. For example, children from marginalised backgrounds continue to face significant challenges in accessing quality education.

Another critical area is climate action. Children from provinces like Madhesh and Karnali are already experiencing the adverse effects of climate change-dried water sources, failed crops, increased natural disasters and severe air pollution. These children's lived realities highlight the urgent need for swift action and greater investment in climate resilience, particularly for vulnerable communities, and the importance of engaging children in adaptation and mitigation efforts. In cities most affected by air pollution, children and young people report concerns about their families' loss of economic opportunities, particularly for daily wage workers, due to restricted mobility and exposure to polluted air.

There are also alarming trends of early migration among the young population for foreign employment. The report suggests that many aspiring migrant workers, as young as 16 years old, from Madhesh are obtaining passports to leave the country, exposing them to hazardous labour conditions.

The Scorecard also highlights that children living below the poverty line, those with disabilities, LGBTQI+ children and girls bear the greatest burdens. Families often do not prioritise the education of children with disabilities or from LGBTQI+ backgrounds, and discriminatory attitudes towards girls' education result in forced dropouts.

Health remains a significant concern. Despite improvements, rural areas still struggle with access to quality health care. Children noted rising mental health challenges but said they hesitate to seek help. LGBTQI+ children and those with disabilities face additional marginalisation due to health care providers' limited understanding of their needs.

And gender equality? It's progressing, but slowly. Child marriage, violence against children and entrenched societal norms remain significant barriers for many girls and LGBTQI+ youth. The lack of policy implementation and socialisation, along with social sanctions, further endangers the realisation of children's rights, as harmful cultural practices are deeply rooted, and patriarchal figures often dictate the choices that children can make in their lives.

Tokenism is another issue plaguing children's involvement in decision-making. One can't deny that biases and power imbalances exist, and they often keep children at the margins. Capacity-building opportunities frequently exclude those who aren't already part of the privileged circles of child clubs or leadership platforms.

To address these gaps, children must not only be consulted but empowered, and acknowledged, as key stakeholders. Tools like the Child Scorecard demonstrate the value of integrating children's perspectives into policymaking and progress evaluations. Strategic investments in education, health care and child protection systems are crucial, with a focus on reaching the most vulnerable.

On the climate change front, child-led advocacy must be prioritised, providing young people with platforms to champion climate justice. The lived experiences of children should be at the centre of all adaptation and resilience efforts, and they should be viewed as role models, not victims of climate disasters-individuals who can identify and lead solutions. We must also dismantle social barriers that perpetuate inequality, partnering with children to challenge harmful norms like child marriage and advocating for expanded mental health services designed for children.

As Nepal steps onto the global stage to present its SDG progress, we must remember that children, too, are watching. They feel the consequences of every decision we make. Their voices aren't just an afterthought-they are the key to building a sustainable, just and inclusive future – a future that they truly deserve. Listening and engaging children in the process is not only a moral imperative-it's the cornerstone of achieving the SDGs and realising the rights of children.

Joshi is the Director of Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications and Media (ACCM) at Save the Children and Air is the Policy and Advocacy Manager at Save the Children.