Young people ages 10-24 account for 25 percent of the world's population: a total of 1.8 billion, most of whom are living in low- and middle-income countries. They face significant challenges, including HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), adolescent pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and gender-based violence. Youth have the right to lead healthy lives--and have repeatedly shown that given the tools, they can and will protect themselves from negative sexual health outcomes. Globally, we must invest in, and continue to work toward respect and opportunity for, all young people. [Nicholas Peterson is supported by the Civil Liberties and Public Policy Program.]