Prioritizing Early Childhood Development: A Call for Global Action
Investing in Early Childhood for Sustainable Growth
During a discussion on early childhood development, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasized the critical importance of a child’s first three years, during which 80% of brain development occurs. He urged policymakers to prioritize youth-focused strategies, stating, “Investments in early childhood are among the smartest ways to achieve sustainable economic growth,” with research suggesting returns of up to 13 times the initial investment.
Highlighting successful initiatives, the Commissioner pointed to South Africa’s Child Support Grant and Brazil’s Bolsa Familia program, which help vulnerable children meet their essential needs.
Yet, challenges remain. He warned that children’s access to food, clean water, and basic sanitation is still highly unequal worldwide, with two in five lacking even basic sanitation. Additionally, young people increasingly face threats in the digital space, with many lacking the tools to stay safe online.
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The Growing Impact of Climate Change on Children
The Commissioner also underscored that climate change is set to make future generations even more vulnerable. In the next 30 years, the number of children facing extreme heat waves could increase eight-fold, and those exposed to wildfires could double.
Speaking on children’s rights, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, UN Special Representative on violence against children, reiterated that even the youngest and most vulnerable children are entitled to development, protection, and participation rights as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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The Long-Term Effects of Neglect in Early Childhood
Dr. M’jid, a practicing pediatrician, explained that during early childhood, over a million neural connections form every second. She cautioned that when caregivers cannot provide nurturing and safe environments, it can have lasting effects on a child’s health, learning, and behavior.
Many children—especially those with disabilities, from marginalized communities, or living in crisis zones—lack access to essential early development services. “Considering the unprecedented humanitarian crises caused by conflicts and displacement, early childhood programs must be integrated into humanitarian responses,” she urged.
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The Irreplaceable Role of Parenting
Among the voices at the Human Rights Council debate was Vlad, a 13-year-old child rights advocate from Moldova.
“Raising a child is not like a math test that you can retake if you get it wrong the first time,” he said, emphasizing how parents, family, and community define a child’s early life.
Addressing the challenges faced by children born with disabilities or into poverty, Vlad questioned whether society should ignore their struggles or step in to help. As a volunteer at a center for children with disabilities, he stressed the need for early intervention: “The earlier we act, the better the chances for a child’s healthy development. Even major difficulties can be minimized or overcome.”
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A Child Refugee’s Plea for Peace
Joyce, a ten-year-old Syrian refugee, shared her personal experience of war and displacement. Speaking via videolink, she called on world leaders to create a safer environment for children in conflict zones.
“What we need is education, safety, and child-friendly spaces—not shootings, missiles, bombs, or kidnappings,” she said emphatically. Her message was clear: for children to live happily and safely, wars must stop.
She added, “We need to go to school, to play, to have food and water, and most importantly, not to live in fear.”
Her words resonated deeply with Philip Jaffé, a Member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, who remarked that some truths don’t require lengthy explanations—they simply need to be heard.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child calls on all nations to ensure “the maximum survival and development of every child”. Jaffé urged governments to adopt comprehensive, rights-based, and well-coordinated strategies at national and local levels. Special attention, he stressed, must be given to children with disabilities and their families to ensure they receive the necessary support.
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A Global Responsibility
The discussion reaffirmed the urgent need for investment in early childhood development, stronger protections for children in conflict zones, and greater attention to the impact of climate change on young lives. By prioritizing these issues, governments, organizations, and individuals can help secure a brighter future for the next generation.
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