5TH INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Investing in Early Childhood Development – Building Human Capital

April 07- 08, 2026

ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

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Children engaged in art activities at a vegetable corner educational station

Important Dates

Call for Papers

Abstract Submission:January 31, 2026

Acceptance/Rejection:February 15, 2026

Registrations

Submit Abstract Here

Conference – Concept Note

Early childhood represents the most foundational phase of human development, shaping lifelong physical, emotional, cognitive, and social outcomes. Neuroscience confirms that the period from conception to eight years is critical for brain architecture, emotional regulation, learning readiness, and long-term productivity. Countries that prioritize Early Childhood Development (ECD) experience stronger human capital formation, sustained economic growth, reduced inequalities, improved public health outcomes, and greater social cohesion.

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Conference Themes

The Economics & Investment Case for ECD

Key Areas:

•Global economic evidence on high returns to ECD

•Asia’s demographic transition and human capital dividend

•Investment scenarios linking ECD to national productivity

Financing Models & Sustainable Mechanisms

Key Areas:

•Public financing frameworks from OECD and LMICs

•Blended finance and innovative PPP models

•Country examples: Chile Crece Contigo, Singapore, Rwanda, Vietnam

Nurturing Care Across Cultures

Key Areas:

•Parenting models and family-strengthening systems

•Community and faith-based care approaches

•RDI/Rupani Foundation’s AWIP model as a regional example

Maternal Mental Health & MHPSS Integration

Key Areas:

•WHO maternal mental health frameworks

•Integrating mental health into primary healthcare

•Holistic mind–body–spirit models (e.g., Ibn Sina Foundation)

Strengthening the ECD Workforce

Key Areas:

•Academic pathways through Centres of Excellence (e.g., AIOU)

•Credentialing, scholarships, and digital upskilling

•Workforce mobility across the region

Digital & AI Innovations for Early Childhood

Key Areas:

•Digital parenting platforms and remote learning tools

•AI-based early detection and developmental screening

•EdTech innovations from Singapore, India, Malaysia

Impact Philanthropy & Private Sector Engagement

Key Areas:

•Venture philanthropy and catalytic capital

•Corporate social responsibility models

•Family foundations and diaspora philanthropy

Climate Resilience & Carbon Finance for ECD

Key Areas:

•Linking climate justice with child development

•Green ECD centers and climate-adaptive infrastructure

•Carbon finance mechanisms for caregiving programs

Research, Measurement & Accountability Systems

Key Areas:

•Strengthening indicators, data systems, and tracking

•Global measurement frameworks (MECCE, SABER-ECD)

•Academic collaboration and regional research networks

Regional Knowledge Exchange & Standards

Key Areas:

•ARNEC-led standards and professional development pathways

•Capacity-building initiatives and cross-country learning

•Regional cooperation for quality assurance in ECD

Pakistan’s ECD Investment Roadmap 2026–2030

Key Areas:

•Financing and budget pathways

•Digital transformation of ECD systems

•Workforce development strategy

•National monitoring and evaluation plan

Conference Format

The conference will span two days (April 07–08, 2026) at AIOU, Islamabad, with a hybrid format.

Structure:

1
Day 1: High-level plenaries and panel discussions – Policy, Investment, Systems
2
Day 2: Academic deep-dive, research presentations, ARNEC sessions and roadmap finalization
3
Opening & Closing Ceremonies
4
Concurrent Sessions and workshops aligned with themes and sub-themes
5
Exhibitions of learning materials, digital innovations, community models
6
Special Sessions on Climate, AI, Maternal Mental Health, Workforce Mobility
7
Media launch and global press release
8
Digital campaign: "Invest Early, Invest Smart"
9
Conference compendium & policy briefs
10
Live streaming across Asia