Almost two years into the pandemic, its widespread impact continues to deepen, increasing poverty and entrenching inequality. While some countries are recovering and rebuilding in a 'new normal', for too many, COVID-19 remains a catastrophe. The unequal rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is putting entire communities at risk. And as new variants continue to emerge, children and their communities continue to face health risks. Increases in poverty have set back progress toward realizing children's rights and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Children's diets have deteriorated, and families struggle to find ways to find enough food and safe water for their children. By September 2021, schoolchildren around the world have lost an estimated 1.8 trillion hours of in-person learning due to COVID-related school closures, which will have profound long-term, unequal social and economic effects. Essential nutrition and health services such as routine immunization programmes and maternal and childcare continue to be disrupted. School closures, job losses among families and increased stress and anxiety have affected the mental health of children and young people. COVID-19 remains an urgent crisis for children that requires sustained, focused action. This report lays out the work in front of us by taking stock of the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on children and the road to respond and recover to reimagine the future for every child. [This report was produced by UNICEF's Division of Global Communication and Advocacy.]