effective programming and about the best ways to establish and sus- tain programmatic approaches.Thus,WHO,UNFPA and UNICEF sought to pave the way for the overall formulation of policy on ado- lescent health and development,and on a programmatic approach at country level. Drawing on the experience of WHO,UNFPA and UNICEF,and on that of other United Nations agencies,nongovernmental organiza- tions and the scientific and professional community,the Study Group sought to consolidate knowledge about programming for adolescent health and development,in order to strengthen programming at country level and maximize its coverage and impact. The Study Group reviewed current experiences,especially in devel- oping countries,as well as the scientific evidence concerning the effectiveness of major interventions for adolescent health.A "frame- work for country programming"(1)(see Fig.1)was developed.It highlights the essential elements and strategies needed to establish, implement and sustain programmes for adolescent health and devel- opment.The Study Group recommended a common agenda of ac- tions to accelerate and strengthen programming for adolescent health,including the global and regional support needed for country- level programming(see sections 11 and 12). This report is a synthesis of the material and expert opinions pre- sented to the Study Group and is organized according to the compo- nents of the"framework for country programming".Each component is dealt with more fully in its corresponding section. 2. Goals of programming 2.1 Background Today,approximately one-fifth of the world's population are adoles- cents (10-19 years of age),with more than four-fifths in developing countries.When young people strive to fulfil their physical,intellec- tual,emotional,spiritual,social and artistic potential,they contribute enormously to societal progress.To a large degree future economic development depends upon having increasing proportions of the population that are reasonably well educated,healthy,and economi- cally productive.The kind of adolescence people have has a far- reaching effect on them and their society.The fate of young people depends upon them,their environment and the support and opportu- nities adults provide them.What,then,should society do to provide greater support for the health and development of its young people?