Born but Not Registered: The Invisible Generation

In this episode, we unpack UNICEF's revealing 2024 report, The Right Start in Life, shedding light on the global state of birth registration. Despite remarkable progress—with over half a billion births officially registered in the past five years—150 million children worldwide remain invisible in official records, deprived of fundamental rights and protections. We explore the critical importance of birth registration in establishing legal identity, gaining access to essential services, and protecting children's futures. Highlighting deeply personal stories from families navigating this complex issue, we delve into why regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia lag behind. Discover the barriers created by socioeconomic disparities, education gaps, and systemic challenges—and learn about actionable solutions and international efforts aimed at achieving universal birth registration by 2030.Join us as we discuss why every child counts—and why counting every child matters.