Early Childhood Education: Foundations for Flourishing
The early years shape everything — from lifelong learning to health and wellbeing — yet early childhood education and development remain underfunded and undervalued. How can we scale access and quality through government partnerships while also centering parental engagement and community leadership? Beyond survival and school entry, how do we nurture children to become happy, healthy, fulfilled individuals?
This session explores the future of early childhood education and development — from greening early learning spaces to considering how emerging technologies, even AI, might be designed with children in mind. Drawing on pedagogical insights from experienced early years practitioners, the dialogue will focus on what it really takes to invest in children’s flourishing.
Speakers
Eleanor Sykes — Interim Communications & Advocacy Lead at Lively Minds with 20 years’ teaching experience and a focus on early years education in LMICs.
Lydie Hakizimana — Founder & Executive Director of Happy Hearts with expertise in education and entrepreneurship across Africa.
Zohreen Badruddin — Policy Manager at the Paris Peace Forum and development economist with 10+ years’ experience advocating for children across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
What to Expect
Highlight the importance of early years – Discuss why investment in early childhood is critical for equity and lifelong outcomes.
Center families and communities – Explore strategies for parental engagement and community-led models of early childhood support.
Scale through partnerships – Learn how government and cross-sector collaborations can expand access sustainably.
Imagine the future – Consider innovations such as greening the early learning ecosystem and designing ethical AI with children.
Why Join Us
Gain a deeper understanding of the transformative role of early childhood education.
Learn strategies for holistic approaches that go beyond access toward wellbeing and fulfillment.
Connect with peers working across pedagogy, policy, and innovation.
Walk away with insights on how to strengthen early years systems at scale.
Who Should Attend?
Educators and practitioners focused on early childhood development.
Funders and policymakers seeking scalable models of early years investment.
Innovators exploring sustainability and technology in child-centered design.
Anyone committed to improving the quality of life for children everywhere.