The “Dubai Declaration on Early Childhood Development” identifies the elements and approaches for a holistic package of services for young children and their caregivers, ranging from stimulation and play to nutrition to parental livelihoods. The declaration also calls for these approaches to be backed by national policy, with regulations and incentives that can guide private sector investment alongside state prioritization of early childhood development.
The United Arab Emirates has hailed the declaration, which calls for a rapid increase in global investment in the first years of children’s lives, with Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairperson of Dubai Cares saying, “Giving every child, no matter where they live, the best start in life is the best way to ensure healthy and prosperous individuals, communities and nations. It is vital that we seize this window when relatively low investments can have tremendous, determinative impacts. The evidence shows that early childhood development is critical for the economy, as well as achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
UNICEF's press release provides more details on the declaration here.
