Demographic changes in the past decades have led to the largest generation of young people (10-24 years) in the world today at over 25% of the total population, and over 30% in Africa.  This Issue Brief discusses how the well-being of these young people hinges on commitments to protect their human rights and investments to develop their capabilities, secure their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), equip them with skills to meet the labour demands of current and emerging economies, enable them to participate in the development of their communities and countries, and prepare them for a healthy, and productive future.