The largest generation of young people in history is now making the transition from childhood to adulthood. 86% of this group - 1.5 billion - live in the developing world. The lives of many of these young men and women will be very different from their parents. There has been progress but there are major dangers:

On average this generation is healthier and more likely to live to old age.

But HIV/AIDS:

• is now the leading cause of death for 15-29 year-olds in sub-Saharan Africa
• young females' death rates exceed males, as more young women die of AIDS
• unprotected sex is one of the riskiest behaviours that young people can undertake.

However, students are less likely to have had sex than their non-enrolled peers.

And:

• young people in developing countries spend more time in school than ever before
• grade attainment has increased substantially
• gender gaps in enrolment are closing.

But tobacco use is increasing in the developing world, and the gender gap in smoking is closing.

There is also evidence that illicit drug use among young people is rising, and alcohol use is expected to go up.