The recent UNICEF report projecting that India will house 350 million children by 2050 underscores the urgent need for strategic planning and robust policy implementation to secure the future of the nationโs youngest citizens. Despite a projected decline of 106 million children from todayโs numbers, India will still account for 15% of the global child population, sharing this responsibility with China, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
The report highlights three global megatrendsโdemographic shifts, climate crises, and frontier technologiesโthat will significantly impact childrenโs lives by 2050. These trends present challenges and opportunities that must be addressed to ensure childrenโs well-being and rights.
One of the most pressing issues identified in the report is the escalating climate crisis. By the 2050s, children will face dramatically increased exposure to extreme climate and environmental hazards. The report predicts that nearly eight times more children will be exposed to extreme heatwaves compared to the 2000s. This is particularly concerning for India, which ranks 26th in the Childrenโs Climate Risk Index. Indian children, especially those in rural and low-income communities, are at acute risk from extreme heat, floods, and air pollution.
The impact of climate change on childrenโs health, education, and access to essential resources like water cannot be overstated. It is imperative that India prioritizes climate action and integrates child-centric policies into its climate strategies. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, and involving children as active agents of change in addressing climate challenges.
Frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence, hold both promise and peril for Indiaโs children. While these technologies can offer innovative solutions to many challenges, the digital divide remains a significant barrier. Only 26% of people in low-income countries are connected to the Internet, compared to over 95% in high-income countries. This disparity limits childrenโs access to educational resources, healthcare, and other essential services.
To bridge this gap, India must invest in inclusive technological advancements that ensure safe and equitable access for all children. This includes expanding internet connectivity, providing digital literacy training, and developing child-friendly digital platforms. By doing so, India can harness technologyโs potential to improve the lives of its children and prepare them for the future.
With nearly half of Indiaโs population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, sustainable urban planning is crucial. The report calls for investments in health, education, skilling, and sustainable urban infrastructure to create child-friendly and climate-resilient cities. This involves designing urban spaces that prioritize childrenโs needs, such as safe play areas, green spaces, and accessible healthcare and education facilities.
