For Policymakers

Take decisive action on changes to improve children’s futures.

POLICY REPORT: Countering harmful marketing to children and young people across NCD risk factors

CAP-2030 and NCD Alliance have launched a policy report on countering harmful marketing to children and young people across risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed and non-alcoholic beverages, breastmilk substitutes and gambling products.

This policy report brings together evidence and data from scientific and technical literature, guided by an Advisory Group with representation from UN Agencies, civil society and youth organisations.

The report was co-produced with children and young people’s (aged 13-30), whose concerns about harmful marketing and policy ideas to counter it are reflected in the findings and recommendations.

Download the child-friendly explainer

Harmful commercial marketing to children: An emerging policy concern

Harmful marketing is a major, under-appreciated threat to the health, well-being and rights of children and young people worldwide. Children have views on this issue and the policy solutions required, as described in the policy brief.

We gathered a diverse group of young people aged 15-17 to discuss their experiences with commercial marketing, its impacts on children’s health and well-being, and possible policy solutions.

Read our policy brief that summarises their perspectives – and look forward to our future work with children and young people on this critical emerging issue!

Organisations And Policymakers

If you work with a government, civil society organisation, policy group, institution of Higher education or private company interested in collaborating for children with CAP 2030, we’d like to hear from you! We are always looking to build coalitions for children by expanding our in-country partners.

What you can do

  • Shape policy
  • Raise awareness
  • Consult with children and adolescents
  • Dedicate funds
  • Join our network

Resources: Policy briefs from the WHO-UNICEF-Lancet Commission

Putting Children at the Centre of the Sustainable Development Goals
Measuring Children’s Well-being: the Child Flourishing and Futures Index
Protecting Children From Harmful Marketing Practices

These policy briefs were created by WHO for the WHO-UNICEF-Lancet Commission. Learn more

Watch WHO-UNICEF-LANCET Documentary Film

Today’s children face an uncertain future.

The climate emergency, conflict and migration, pervasive inequalities, and predatory commercial practices threaten the health and future of children everywhere; with COVID-19 and a global economic downturn only adding to these issues.

In this film, WHO present the key findings of the seminal WHO-UNICEF-Lancet report A future for the world’s children? to help governments, communities and industry make real change for the world’s children.

“Children are children…they grow up under the same sky and they all have the right to a safe and meaningful life. Let us, as adults, give them the best possible conditions.”

At the November, 2020 Swedish launch of the WHO-UNICEF-Lancet report A future for the world’s children?, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden called for adults to provide the best possible conditions for children. Read more 

“There are no excuses and there is no time to lose”

Footage: Victor Ericsson, The Royal Court of Sweden.

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