This publication, through the use of UNICEF data, explores the progress and disparities for children after the arrival of the end date for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The analysis provides a range of outcomes: although a child’s chance to survive and thrive is much greater in 2015 than it was when the global community committed to the MDGs in 2000, millions of the most marginalized children continue to be left behind.

The importance of data and knowledge is heavily emphasized. The report calls for expanded collection of data and better standards by which data is collected. The analysis and figures presented here are intended to impact planning and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing policy makers, donors, and other professionals with a roadmap for reaching the children left behind.