A UNICEF-supported forum that will bring together a diverse range of partners to discuss issues around early childhood care and development is a first for Papua New Guinea.

The Forum on Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) – to be held 2-4 June in Goroka – is Papua New Guinea’s first ever national consultation on the topic.

The consultation will bring together leading academicians, civil society partners and Government to create renewed recognition on the importance of the early years in the formation of a person’s intelligence, personality, social behavior and physical development.

UNICEF Papua New Guinea Representative, Dr Bertrand Desmoulins, says: “It is critical to provide effective and essential actions at each phase of the life cycle of the child, including in pregnancy, early childhood, preschool and school-going years, and adolescence.

“It assists parents, teachers, service providers, policy makers and other duty bearers to provide age-relevant support, care and protection for children in a holistic manner.”

The early years of life are crucial. When well nurtured and cared for in their earliest years, children are more likely to survive, to grow in a healthy way, to have less disease and fewer illnesses, and to develop thinking, language, emotional and social skills.

The Forum will be an opportunity for Papua New Guineans to learn from each other and international perspectives on how to provide holistic ECCD services in resource constrained environments, re-examine the national policy objectives and how to implement.

UNICEF is sponsoring the forum, along with the National Department for Community Development, with support from the University of Goroka, National Department of Education and the National department of Health.