5TH INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Nurturing Bright Beginnings for Shaping a Better Tomorrow

Investing in Early Years

October 22-23, 2025 • Islamabad

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Children engaged in art activities at a vegetable corner educational station

Important Dates

Call for Papers

Abstract Submission:March 17, 2025

Acceptance/Rejection:March 24, 2025

Registrations

Early BirdUntil March 31, 2025

International Paper Presenter:USD 200

National Paper Presenter:PKR 3,500

International Participant:USD 100

National Participant:PKR 1,500

RegularUntil April 20, 2025

International Paper Presenter:USD 300

National Paper Presenter:PKR 4,000

International Participant:USD 150

National Participant:PKR 2,000

On-SiteApril 29-30, 2025

International Presenter:USD 350

National Paper Presenter:PKR 4,500

International Participant:USD 150

National Participant:PKR 2,000

Submit Abstract Here

Conference – Concept Note

Early childhood is considered the most important phase in life, laying the foundation for physical, emotional, and intellectual wellbeing. What happens to a child in this period can determine his or her developmental trajectory, and academic and earning capacity through life.

Early childhood development (ECD) is the cornerstone upon which the future of society is built. The critical period from birth to eight years lays the foundation for a child's lifelong learning, health, and well-being. Despite its significant importance, majority of the children in Pakistan are still denied access to the ECD programmes. Pakistan has a population of over 241.5 million, and about 14% of them are children under five years old.

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Conference Themes

Strengthening Echo System for ECD

Key Areas:

•ECD as a Systemic Agenda: Integrating Nurturing Care Framework

•Strengthening ECD for a Changing Climate: Adapting Programmes for Resilience

•Access for All: Advancing Equity and Inclusion

•Tracking Success: Data-Driven Approaches to ECD Impact Measurement

•Setting the Standard: Enforcing Quality Assurance

•Empowering the ECD Workforce: Enhancing Skills, Motivation, and Support

•Innovation for Impact: Leveraging Technology

•Empower Parents and Communities: Fostering Engagement

Adequate Nutrition

Key Areas:

•Maternal Adherence to a Diverse and Adequate Nutrition

•Progress on Maternal and Child Nutrition in Pakistan: Scaling Up Nutrition Movement

•Connections between Dietary Practices of Adolescent Boys and Girls

Connection Between Responsive Caregiving and Caregivers' Mental Health & Wellbeing

Key Areas:

•Mental Health and Nurturing Care: Interventions to Support Caregivers and Children

•Short-term and Long-term Effects of Caregivers' Stress

•Impact of Toxic Stress on Child Development: Causes and Contributing Factors

Fathers' Involvement in the Upbringing of Children in Pakistan

Key Areas:

•Identifying and Removing Barriers that limit Fathers' Involvement

•Engaged Fathers: Promoting Early Stimulation and Ensuring Responsive Caregiving

•Family Friendly Policies: Childcare Models

Early Learning Opportunities

Key Areas:

•Learning Through Play: Unlocking Creativity and Curiosity

•Everyday Learning in a Nurturing Environment

•Innovations in Early Learning: Noteworthy Practices and Models

•Strengthening Foundational Learning Through Quality Early Learning Experiences

Conference Format

1
Opening and Closing Sessions
2
Plenary Sessions Featuring national and international ECD experts as keynote speakers with concurrent sessions on conference themes
3
Workshops on Key Topics
4
Exhibition of ECD Models and Learning Materials
5
Poster Presentations
6
Roundtable and Panel Discussions