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ABU DHABI- Abu Dhabi will convene a week-long global dialogue on Early Childhood Development (ECD) with the launch of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, taking place from 29th October to 2nd November 2024.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), the event aims to boost international collaboration to advance the global early childhood development agenda.
A joint initiative of ECA and its partners, the event builds upon the UAE's commitment to enhancing the welfare and development of its youngest citizens and residents. Through fostering collaboration across its community and the entire ECD ecosystem, ECA is committed to working with a diverse range of stakeholders to build a brighter, more inclusive future for every child. Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week follows the launch of the second edition of WED (World Early Childhood Development) Movement at COP28, a flagship initiative that aims to bring together global experts, partners and disruptors for innovation and advocacy to catalyse cross-sector change for early childhood development.
Anchored by themes of intentional parenting, culture and identity, and sustainable and family friendly cities, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week will include the WED Forum, ECD Innovation Day, ECD Research Convening, The Fair and a series of city-wide activations, all designed to share knowledge, address key global future challenges, and unlock innovative solutions for holistic child development that positively impact the lives of children in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and beyond.
The activities will feature a series of more than 25 engaging sessions led by more than 75 industry speakers, all set to inspire new dialogues and ensure the future prosperity of children locally and globally. The agenda will range from immersive and interactive debates and learning experiences to roundtables, masterclasses, labs, panel discussions and talks, exploring various aspects of the global ECD agenda. Meanwhile, thousands of families from across the UAE will be invited to participate in The Fair and a series of community-wide activations throughout Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, highlighting the role of ECD in building sustainable, family-friendly societies.
Details of the events were highlighted during a press conference attended by Sana Mohammad Suhail, Director-General of ECA, and Dr Yousef Alhammadi, the Executive Director of ECA.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chair of WED, said: "Early childhood development is a cornerstone of sustainable, long-term growth. Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week aligns with the UAE’s commitment to the growth and wellbeing of future generations, ensuring that every child can thrive. By fostering cooperation and strategic partnerships, we are creating opportunities for nations to innovate and work together to overcome the various challenges faced by young children and families."
Sana Mohammad Suhail, Director-General of ECA, said: “We are strategically investing in early childhood development to create a generation equipped with the skills, resilience, and creativity necessary to lead the UAE into its next phase of growth and prosperity. This event will be a critical platform to share innovative strategies and solutions that aim to make a lasting impact on children’s lives across Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and beyond.”
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week will bring together a diverse group of global experts, policymakers, and industry disruptors, including local and international leaders in ECD innovation. The event is a collaborative initiative involving the support of several key partners including the National Academy for Childhood Development, Mubadala Investment Company, ADQ, Aldar, and Erth Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
Al Rym Abdullah Al Falasy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, said: "The UAE is making significant efforts, reflected in adopting multiple initiatives aimed at enhancing children's educational, health, and social environments. These initiatives reflect our nation’s deep desire to provide a strong foundation for children's futures, focusing on creating an inclusive and stimulating environment that helps children realise their full potential, reaffirming its leading role in promoting child rights and development regionally and globally.''
The week’s programme will feature the ECD Innovation Day on 29th October; WED Forum from 30th to 31st October; ECD Research Convening from 29th to 31st October; The Fair from 31st October to 2nd November, and Community Activations from 29th October to 2nd November.
To drive further engagement and awareness around Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, the emirate will also host a series of community-wide activations led by key partners throughout the week.
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