December 19, 2024 – As 2024 comes to a close, I want to reflect on the strides we’ve made together, acknowledge the challenges we continue to face, and express my profound gratitude for your tireless efforts to improve the lives of young children and their families worldwide. This year has been a testament to our resilience and collaboration, marked by both significant achievements and reminders of the urgent work still needed.
While the holiday season is a time for celebration, the escalating crises around the globe weigh heavily on us all. Conflict, poverty, inequality, and hunger are pushing millions of children to the brink of survival. In the face of such adversity, I am particularly inspired by our partners who work relentlessly in emergency contexts; saving lives, mobilizing resources, and advocating for those who are the most vulnerable. Their unwavering dedication brings hope in even the most difficult circumstances.
Progress in 2024
Global Achievements
This year, early childhood development (ECD) took center stage on global platforms. At the G20 Summit in Brazil, the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and the Fortaleza Declaration highlighted the vital role of ECD in breaking the cycles of inequality. At the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, a $300 billion climate finance target was introduced. However, the urgency for greater ambition and a stronger focus on prioritizing children’s rights remains critical.
A total of 102 countries pledged strategies to protect children during the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia. These commitments range from supporting parents to ensuring safe school and home environments. The network spotlighted the profound impact of early adversity on brain development, with the Global Initiative to Support Parents (GISP) leading discussions that emphasized the critical importance of parent and caregiver support.
Another milestone was the “expert dialogue on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on children and relevant policy solutions” in Bonn, Germany. ECDAN partners in the ECD-Climate Working Group submitted a formal statement with recommendations on building resilience. These discussions underscored the urgency of placing children at the center of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
On the research front, the Lancet Next 1,000 Days Series underscored the immense societal benefits of early investments in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), emphasizing potential returns of up to 19 times the costs for national governments. Meanwhile, a global report by UNESCO and UNICEF revealed critical resource gaps in ECCE, including the urgent need for 6 million additional teachers and increased funding, as ECCE currently accounts for just 0.4 percent of global GDP.
Key Network Achievements
I am excited to share the launch of ECDAN’s ambitious five-year strategic plan (2024–2028). Developed through extensive collaboration with our Executive Leadership Council and regional partners, the plan highlights our renewed commitment to advancing child development in vulnerable communities worldwide.
In New York City, USA, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, ECDAN co-hosted the Act for Early Years Symposium, amplifying the urgency of investing in young children. We also convened a global roundtable to jointly explore strategies for unlocking financing for the early years, charting a path for collective action in the coming years.
In April, ECDAN hosted its first-ever Masterclass Series in Systems Thinking for ECD with 14 interactive sessions led by over 20 experts. Curated in collaboration with NORC at the University of Chicago, the series attracted 12,478 participants between April 23 and May 2, with many more accessing the session videos asynchronously.
This summer, ECDAN welcomed its fourth cohort of Knowledge Fellows from a competitive pool of 458 applicants. These eight early-career professionals will focus on integrating young children’s needs into climate action plans, supported by mentoring and network-building opportunities.
Finally, we proudly celebrated the network’s impressive growth, which now includes 362 partner organizations worldwide—an 18 percent increase from last year. Our engagement has also soared, with over 8,000 active individual members, reflecting a 56 percent rise. Our social media community expanded significantly, reaching more than 24,000 people—a 57 percent growth—while our learning events attracted over 19,000 participants throughout the year.
Looking Ahead
As we approach 2025, let us build on this year’s momentum to address both opportunities and challenges with collective action and collaboration. Our priorities include unlocking financing for young children by ensuring funding is efficient, inclusive, and equitable; empowering grassroots advocacy to generate public demand for high-quality childcare; addressing the impacts of climate change on young children; and developing a roadmap to COP30 in Brazil. We will also focus on preparing for the renewal of the Sustainable Development Goals, keeping the needs of young children and their caregivers central to global and regional agendas while building bridges between movements and sectors. These efforts reaffirm ECDAN’s commitment to impactful partnerships, capacity building, and advancing the well-being of the world’s young children.
I want to express my sincerest thanks to each of you for your contributions. I am truly grateful for the collaboration and coordination efforts within the network. By working together, we can achieve greater impact and drive systematic change to support young children to reach their full potential. As we celebrate the holiday season, please take time to rest, recharge, and cherish moments with your loved ones. Let us also take pride in all we have accomplished together as we look forward to an impactful year ahead.
Here is to a successful 2025 filled with hope, opportunities, and success.
Happy holidays!
Warm regards,
Elizabeth Lule
ECDAN’s Executive Director
