Main theme
For 2017 the main theme of the Conference was chosen as
'The Transformative Power of ECD: The importance of holistic interventions'
This theme focuses on the importance of equitable access to an integrated approach to early childhood development. The 2016 Lancet Early Childhood Development Series highlights that young children’s healthy development depends on nurturing care which ensures health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, safety and security, and early learning. The Series emphasises the need to deliver multi-sectoral interventions, especially to the most disadvantaged children; essential among these are nutrition, to support growth and health; child protection, for violence prevention and family support; social protection, for family financial stability and capacity to access services; and education, for quality early learning opportunities.
This theme highly supports target 4.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which focuses on the need for all boys and girls to have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education. The theme will explore ways by which countries put in place integrated and inclusive ECD policies, strategies and programmes, supported by effective coordination mechanisms.
Access the concept note here
Sub-theme A
Policies and programmes which address the holistic nature of ECD in a broader spectrum that integrates but is not limited to health and nutrition, responsive caregiving, early learning, and protection.
Sub-theme B
Approaches which focus on equitable access to, and participation in, these holistic programmes and which therefore address discrimination based on gender, economic status, vulnerability, language/ethnicity, disability, and geography.
Sub-theme C
Quality monitoring of outcomes / measurements/indicators (how countries monitor the ECD-related targets in the SDGs) with special reference to inequity.
