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Girls speaking truth to power at the UN: the global 2030 Agenda

"Invest in adolescents. We’re not only the future, we’re the present, and we deserve to be happy." Twelve year old Stephanie Mendez Asturias, from Guatemala, speaking at the UN ahead of International Day of the Girl Child.

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On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings last week, an unlikely group of diplomats, advocates, an actress and a number of schoolgirls ranging in age from 12-19 gathered in a crowded room at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) headquarters. They were there to discuss how the 2030 Agenda addresses - or fails to address - the rights and needs of adolescent girls.

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Twelve year old Stephanie Mendez Asturias speaking at the UN last week. Photo: Basia Ambroziak/ICRW.