11 May 2026

The Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN), in partnership with the Government of Rwanda, the Africa Early Childhood Network (AfECN), UNESCO, UNICEF, and WHO, convened the Investing in the Early Years: Global Technical Financing Forum in Rwanda between May 6 and 8.

This gathering united a diverse coalition of government officials, academics, researchers, international and regional organizations, civil society, donors, advocates, and global partners. The primary mission was to identify structural barriers, surface reform opportunities, and explore innovative, sustainable financing mechanisms for the sector.

From Evidence to Action

Participants emphasized that the forum’s central purpose was not to repeat existing commitments, but to turn evidence into practical, coordinated action. It was designed as a functional catalyst for change, focusing on five strategic pillars:

• Raise Awareness: Highlighting the significant economic and social returns of Early Childhood Development (ECD) and the critical financing gaps that hinder progress.
• Contribute to Global Processes: Providing essential input to the UNESCO/UNICEF/OECD Global Monitoring Report on Early Childhood Care and Education and the Act for Early Years Campaign.
• Facilitate Policy Dialogue: Convening cross-sector partners from government, academia, and the private sector to bridge the gap between policy barriers and financing opportunities.
• Promote Cross-Country Learning: Creating a space to share practical lessons on effective financing models across the public–private spectrum.
• Catalyze Action: Developing recommendations and practical tools to fundamentally increase and improve the quality of financing for ECD.