The Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN) has released its global calendar, highlighting key events focused on early childhood development (ECD) worldwide over the next six months. These events provide crucial opportunities to unite policymakers, funders, technical experts, advocates, and practitioners in advancing strategies to ensure that all young children grow up well-nourished, healthy, happy, learning, and safe.

Amplifying Advocacy and Action
As stakeholders work collectively to support young children, their families, and caregivers, these upcoming global events serve as important moments to reinforce the significance of the early years. ECDAN encourages the community to actively engage in these discussions, shaping advocacy efforts and amplifying key messages that will drive impactful change.

Your Voice Matters
ECDAN invites stakeholders to contribute their perspectives on the key messages that should be emphasized during these critical events. By aligning advocacy efforts and messaging, the network aims to strengthen the collective voice for early childhood development on a global scale.

Join the conversation by sharing your input here, leveraging digital platforms to enhance advocacy efforts, and staying updated by following ECDAN on social media. Explore the global calendar and submit any events that should be included to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive global agenda for early childhood development.

Key events over the next six months
March 13 – Annual Day on the Rights of the Child (ADRC): This year’s ADRC will focus on early childhood development, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and supporting young children to ensure they grow up healthy, educated, and empowered. An NGO side event to the UN Human Rights Council’s 2025 ADRC will be held on March 12 with the theme of early childhood development and human rights in Geneva. The event can be accessed online. Learn more.

March 22 to 26 – CIES 2025 Conference: Envisioning Education in a Digital Society (Chicago): The Comparative and International Education Society 2025 Conference will gather researchers, practitioners, government officials, and advocates to explore the impact of digital technology on learners and society. Register here.
   
March 27 to 28 – Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit (Paris): The N4G Summit 2025 will bring together global leaders to drive action on ending malnutrition. Hosted by France, the summit will focus on financing, partnerships, and policies to ensure better nutrition for all. Learn more.

April 8 – Global Forum on Investing in Early Childhood: Business Support for a Thriving Economy & Social Wellbeing: Hosted by the Center for Business Champions at Childhood Education International in collaboration with ECDAN, this free virtual event will explore the economic and social benefits of investing in young children and the role of businesses in shaping a thriving future. Register here.

April 21 to 26 – World Bank & IMF Spring Meetings (Washington, D.C.): These meetings bring together global leaders, civil society, and the private sector to discuss key development priorities. ECDAN will collaborate with partners to highlight the need for increased investment in ECD.

May 27 to 29 – G20 South Africa Education Working Group Meeting: An important moment to ensure early childhood care and education is embedded within South Africa’s G20 priorities. Learn more.

June 30 to July 3 – UN Conference on Financing for Development (Seville, Spain): FFD4 presents a unique opportunity to push for financing reforms that support ECD, including the transformation of international financial structures. Learn more.

July 1 to 3 – Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on ECD (Manila, Philippines): Hosted by the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC), this conference will highlight the role of effective local governance in advancing ECD. Register here.