The Early Childhood Development Action Network’s (ECDAN) vision of a world where every child is safe, healthy, well-nourished, happy and learning underpins the Strategy for 2020–2023. The plan presents ECDAN’s mission and goals; and lays out its objectives, actions, and expected outcomes for young children, their families and communities. It was prepared in consultation with ECDAN partners and incorporates the recommendations of six multi-stakeholder task forces. (See Annex A for a list of task forces and members.)

ECDAN is a young network, now moving out of its 2016–2019 incubation period as the world faces many challenges from a pandemic that threatens to reverse many of the gains made in the fight against poverty and hunger, to an unprecedented number of children and families displaced by conflict and climate change. To improve the lives of young children in this new normal, building the global movement envisioned in this plan is urgent. There is an urgency as well to intensify ECDAN partners’ coordinated efforts to address the short and long-term impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and accelerate progress towards achieving early childhood development (ECD)-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve maximum impact, the ECDAN Secretariat will support coordination, growth and strengthening of the global network.

This strategy is a living document that will be revisited annually. Updates will be important as we welcome new partners into the movement, broaden and deepen stakeholder and partner engagement and participation, respond to challenges and threats, and adjust action to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will monitor progress and generate data via several continuous improvement processes and will act on what we learn.

Together, we are a strong voice for young children around the world. Together, we can rebuild a better future for all young children!