What does the future hold for the world’s children? In many ways, the future is now. Today’s actions and decisions will determine the future children inherit. Unfortunately, today's children live in a world fraught with crises, poverty and discrimination. Where far too many are deprived of opportunities to meet their full potential. We can and must do better. The future of childhood hangs in the balance. This year’s State of the World’s Children Report examines the forces and trends shaping our world today and reflects on how they might shape the future. The report explores three megatrends that will profoundly impact children’s lives between now and 2050: demographics shifts, the climate and environmental crises and frontier technologies. It also presents three future scenarios – possible outcomes, not predictions – for how children could experience the world of 2050. As we consider what we can do today, our responsibility is clear: now is the time to shape a better future for every child.