Though world leaders outlined a goal of 2030 for eradicating extreme child poverty, consequentially improving the opportunities available to the world's disadvantaged children, Save the Children estimates after analyzing global data that the world is at least 452 years--or 18 generations--away from reaching that goal.

"It is unforgivable that at the current rate of progress, the world will not eradicate extreme poverty for eighteen generations–-thereby breaking its promise to millions of vulnerable children," said Helle Thorning-Schmidt, CEO of the Save the Children International about the findings.

Save the Children arrived at its estimation through the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), which used "extreme poverty estimates and a 2030 scenario from the World Bank, and demographic data."

The findings indicate that in 2030, over 167 million children will live in extreme poverty which is defined as living in a household where the income earned is less than $1.90 a day.

For these children, opportunities such as quality education and living a better life are extremely limited.

"We can and must do better-–including by expanding access to good quality health and education, and ensuring that governments commit money within their national budgets to reducing child poverty. The world has already approved a blueprint for solving this crisis, so now we must get on with it," said Thorning-Schmidt.

While sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to account for 90 percent of child poverty in 2030, U.S CEO of Save the Children Carolyn Miles notes that the problem affects children in every country.

"This is just as true for children in the U.S. as it is for kids around the world. By making smart investments now, we can break the inter-generational poverty trap, and lay the foundations for a more stable and prosperous world. In an age of unprecedented resources and know-how, there is no excuse for any child to grow up in poverty," Miles said.

This new information will be presented this week to the world's leaders at this year's World Economic Forum.

Save the Children hopes its estimates will inspire world leaders to act more aggressively on their goals of eradicating child poverty.

Nicole Gorman, Senior Education World Contributor

1/16/2017