World Early Childhood Development Forum In Abu Dhabi Focuses On Advancing Child Welfare And Education

The World Early Childhood Development (WED) Forum began in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This event is part of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week. Attendees included H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, alongside global experts and decision-makers.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the importance of early childhood development (ECD) in nurturing children's intellectual and emotional growth. She stressed enhancing educational and media content to suit the digital age, urging collective efforts to bridge gaps in traditional education while embracing cultural diversity.

The UAE has made significant strides in supporting children's rights across various sectors, establishing itself as a leader in child protection and welfare globally. The nation has pioneered initiatives aimed at raising future generations, implementing laws that reinforce children's roles in society.

The WED Forum plays a crucial role in strengthening the early childhood sector and advancing research. It aims to inspire new dialogues for the future prosperity of all children, encouraging collaboration among experts, parents, policymakers, and disruptors to address current and future challenges.

This two-day forum features 25 interactive debates, panels, expert-led masterclasses, workshops, and roundtables led by 60 speakers from 20 sectors. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chair of WED, welcomed attendees with remarks on the forum's significance.

Reem Al Hashimy stated: "The WED Movement has taken shape in the UAE as a pillar of the vision of our late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Driven by the belief that children are a nation’s truest form of wealth, we propel his vision forward by investing in individuals, families, and societies as a whole."

Exploring Cultural Heritage

Sheikha Hala Mohammed Al Khalifa from NUWAH Foundation led a masterclass on storytelling's role in cultural heritage. She said: "An artist, poet or a storyteller can shed light on their culture and traditions by using tools from the past to channel children’s curiosity and interactivity."

The forum also saw a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) and Abu Dhabi Authority for Heritage. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation for shared goals like heritage preservation while promoting national identity values.

Future Prospects for ECD

The 2024 WED Forum will explore early childhood's formative years from various perspectives. It aims to demonstrate how collective efforts can shape thriving societies by unlocking children's potential. The event will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange among global stakeholders.

As part of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, over 90 researchers from the UAE, Arab region, and Africa gathered for an ECD Research Convening. This event aims to tackle challenges and explore opportunities for creating more representative ECD science.

Community Engagement Initiatives

The second edition of The Early Childhood Development Fair began at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi today. Sponsored by the National Academy for Childhood Development, it offers an interactive environment for community engagement with leading educational providers.

Key partners involved include Mubadala, ADQ, Aldar, E&, MODON, Department of Culture and Tourism, ADNOC, Pure Health, Emirates Foundation among others. These partnerships aim to drive innovation within local communities through various educational programmes.

With inputs from WAM