Policies and programmes aimed at achieving the MDGs too often ignore the situation of the poorest and most marginalized adolescents and youth, even those in middle-income and industrialized countries. Fulfilling their rights to education, health and recreation, to an environment without violence, and to having their voices heard in decision-making processes are all conditions for achieving social equality, pro-poor economic growth and expanded citizenship. Countries that have done so include Burundi, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, the Niger, Senegal and Zambia.