Regional Report of the World Conference
Development in early childhood is very robust. Early childhood is a sensitive period marked by rapid transformations in physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development. Significant and critical brain development occurs before age 7, especially the first three years of life, when important neuronal connections take place (or not take place). What happens in the early years sets trajectories in health, learning and behaviour that can last throughout life.
The first-ever world conference with the overall theme of early childhood care and education (ECCE) as the first and foundational step for building the wealth of nations , was celebrated in Moscow from 27 to 29 September, 2010. Co-organized by UNESCO and the Russian Federation, the event brought together 1000 participants, including government ministers from 65 countries, along with representatives from UN agencies, development cooperation agencies, civil society and experts. Ten years after the Education for All (EFA) Framework for Action was adopted in Dakar, Senegal, the conference aimed to assess progress towards the first EFA goal of expanding and improving comprehensive ECCE, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
