Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, which is essential for the future health and prosperity of societies, depends on children and adolescents reaching their full potential. The foundations of health, education, productivity and social and emotional well-being are built from pre-conception, to form human capital that has an impact throughout the life-course. In addition, the gains made are transmitted to the next generation. The aim of the new agenda is to ensure that all children and adolescents survive and thrive. In other words, to ensure that every person 0–19 years old is optimally healthy, being raised in a safe, secure environment, is appropriately prepared physically, mentally and emotionally to accomplish developmentally appropriate tasks, will reach adulthood successfully and eventually contribute socially and economically to their society.