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Most importantly, the overall collection argues a compelling case for increased investment in adolescents and young people. The arguments draw on human rights perspectives, social and health perspectives, demographic and epidemiological trends, and economics to emphasise the need for enhanced investment in adolescents. Previous studies indicate that investment in this age group produces excellent returns.5 With less than eight years left to achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals and progress lagging far behind, countries must develop evidence based policies, substantive strategies, and costed implementation plans for concrete, funded programmes to improve adolescent wellbeing based on intentional multisectoral action. To ensure accountability, countries should commit to reporting data on progress at the SDG summit in 2024 and subsequent yearly reviews. The 1.8 billion campaign and the Global Forum for Adolescents convened by PMNCH in 2023 are an opportunity for policy makers and practitioners from all relevant sectors to pledge and ensure that adolescents, with all their diverse needs, talents, and aspirations, remain at the centre of this work. The BMJ collection provides valuable insights into how this might be done, but it is up to us, the global community, to act.