There are over 600 million girls in the world today, more than 500 million of them in developing countries. They are shaping humanity's present and future.
The opportunities and choices, girls have during adolescence will enable them to begin adulthood as empowered and active citizens.
With the right skills and opportunities, they can invest in themselves, in their families and their communities. However, pregnancy jeopardises the rights, health, education and potentials of far too many adolescent girls, robbing them of a better future.
More on World Population Day 2013
