Early Childhood Care: An Investment We Too Often Take for Granted

VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES – The early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for their future health, learning, development and overall well-being. Yet, the importance of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is too often taken for granted, despite its critical role in shaping individuals, communities and societies.

Recognising the importance of investing in the youngest members of society, Seychelles is preparing to host the 3rd Regional Workshop on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) from 1 to 5 December 2026. The event will be hosted by the Institute for Early Childhood Development (IECD), a UNESCO Category 2 Centre in Seychelles, further strengthening the country's contribution to the advancement of early childhood development at regional and international levels.

Held under the theme “From Commitments to Progress: Reviewing ECCE Actions and Strengthening Pathways for Transformative Change,” the Workshop will serve as an important platform for strengthening regional cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange and accelerating collective action to improve outcomes for young children.

The five-day regional gathering will bring together representatives from 15 participating countries and territories: Brunei Darussalam, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Madagascar, Réunion, Mauritius and Seychelles.

Taking a multisectoral approach, the Workshop will convene policymakers, senior government officials and key ECCE stakeholders, particularly from the education, health and social development sectors. Participants will review progress in implementing the Tashkent Declaration, share national experiences and good practices, identify common challenges and explore innovative strategies to strengthen the quality, accessibility and inclusiveness of early childhood care and education services.

Beyond providing an opportunity for dialogue, the Workshop aims to turn shared commitments into meaningful action. It will encourage participating countries to reflect on their achievements, learn from one another and identify practical pathways towards more responsive, inclusive and sustainable ECCE systems.

The organisation of the Workshop will follow a cost-sharing approach, reflecting the principles of shared ownership, partnership and collective responsibility in advancing the ECCE agenda. IECD will facilitate local transportation, lunches and other essential workshop-related logistics during the official Workshop days, while participating countries and their respective institutions will be responsible for international airfares and accommodation.

Strengthening Seychelles’ Regional Leadership

Hosting the 3rd Regional Workshop further reinforces Seychelles’ position as an emerging international hub for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange in early childhood care and education. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the country's commitment to placing young children at the centre of national and regional development priorities.

Ultimately, the Workshop is about more than reviewing policies and commitments. It is about recognising that every child deserves the best possible start in life and that investing in early childhood is an investment in stronger families, healthier communities and more resilient societies.

As participating countries come together in Seychelles, the shared ambition will be clear: to move beyond commitments, strengthen partnerships and translate collective aspirations into tangible progress for young children and their families across the region.

Because early childhood matters – and the future of every society begins with the care, protection and opportunities we provide to its youngest citizens.