Young Lives’ sixth wave of qualitative research (Qual 6) provides vital insights into how young people’s lives are changing as they navigate multiple intersecting crises, including the impacts of conflict, COVID-19, climate change, high inflation and rising living costs, and how these challenges have affected their health and well-being, and that of their children and families.

This policy brief presents recommendations based on initial findings from Qual 6, as well as more than two decades of Young Lives longitudinal research, including the Round 7 quantitative survey conducted in 2023–24. Organised across eight themes: female genital mutilation/cutting and child marriage; maternal and child health; sexual and reproductive health; disabilities; mental health; education; work and un(der)employment; and migration, the recommendations are designed to inform policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable young people and their families during times of crises in Ethiopia. The brief focuses on girls and young women and those from poorer households, rural areas and marginalised groups, who are central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).