A/HRC/37/48 across sectors, including health, nutrition, education and social and child protection, to address the multiple risks faced by young children and their families. 136. Every child needs support in early childhood, but at-risk children from disadvantaged environments are least likely to receive it. Disadvantaged families are often strained to the limit and have fewer resources to invest in effective early childhood development; as a result, many at-risk children miss out on the growth that is the foundation for success in school, career and life. 137. The importance of strong political leadership in assuring the best start in life and the elimination of violence in early years cannot be overstated. James Heckman, Nobel Laureate in Economics, has pointed out that “investing in early childhood education is a cost-effective strategy, even during a budget crisis,” leading to better education, health, social and economic outcomes that increase revenue and reduce the need for costly social spending. “The highest rate of return in early childhood development comes from investing as early as possible, from birth through age five, in disadvantaged [children and their] families.”22 VI. Looking ahead 138. Freedom from violence and the right to live a dignified and happy life are promises the international community has pledged to safeguard for all children. It is high time to deliver on these promises. Guided by the human rights imperative of freeing children from violence, the evidence gathered in recent years of what works, children’s inspiring participation, efforts and resilience, and the ambitious vision and historic opportunity offered by the 2030 Agenda, a quantum leap in violence against children prevention and response is possible. Together, we can build the world that children dream of and wish for: a world of non-violence and peace, where each and every child is cherished, respected and protected. A world in which no child is left behind. 139. For countless millions of children, however, this dream remains distant and illusory. Daily life is endured in fear and pain, surrounded by appalling levels of neglect, abuse and exploitation – in their homes, schools, neighbourhoods, in institutions aimed at their care and protection and in cyberspace. Children are too frightened to speak up; they are uncertain about the support they can receive, and lack information to seek advice and protection in their healing, recovery and reintegration. 140. Violence is widespread, hidden and concealed; but it is not a fate. With the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, children’s freedom from violence can be placed at the heart of the policy agenda of every nation, helping reduce the risk of violence in children’s lives and providing effective response to child victims. 141. The success of the 2030 Agenda will be measured by the actions taken and the tangible, positive difference made in the lives of children, especially for those furthest behind who are often the most at risk of violence. 142. The Special Representative remains deeply committed to mobilizing increased support to the strengthening of children’s protection from violence and advancing progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. With this aim, in 2018 she will provide special attention to the following: 22 See James J. Heckman, Invest in early childhood development: Reduce deficits, strengthen the economy, The Heckman Equation, 2012. 21