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The CSocD63 side event No Time to Waste: The Urgent Need to Build Inclusive Social Protection for Children in Vulnerable Situations, hosted by the World Organization for Early Childhood Education, highlighted the importance of early childhood education and care (ECEC) and social protection policies to support children facing poverty, violence, and displacement. Moderated by Michelle Bell and supported by the Permanent Missions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Luxembourg, the session stressed the global gaps in education and child welfare, calling for stronger policies and investments.
Key discussions
H.E. Amb. Zenon Mukong of the DRC mission emphasized the pressing need for inclusive social protection, especially through free elementary education, teacher training, and nutrition programs to support low-income families. He described the armed conflict in Goma, where 3,000 people were killed, highlighting how violence and displacement hinder children’s development. He reaffirmed the Permanent Mission of the DRC’s commitment to the Copenhagen Declaration, emphasizing collaboration among governments, NGOs, and local communities.
Anne Dostert, Deputy Permanent Representative of the mission of Luxembourg to the United Nations, underscored her country’s commitment to ECEC, citing Luxembourg’s multilingual education program, which fosters early cognitive development. She advocated for a child-centred approach at the 2025 Social Development Summit, aligning ECEC with broader education and social policies.
Manus de Barra, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, stressed that ending violence against children is both a human rights and economic necessity. He warned that early exposure to trauma has lifelong cognitive, behavioural, and emotional consequences, reinforcing the need for integrated social protection policies.
Rima Salah, Chairperson of the Early Childhood Peace Consortium, described how children in conflict zones like Ukraine, Sudan, Palestine, and DRC face severe trauma, separation from families, and exposure to violence. She cited scientific evidence showing that early stress has intergenerational consequences. She called for greater investment in trauma-sensitive early childhood programs to promote healing and social stability.
Nupur Kukrety, Policy Specialist on Social Protection in Humanitarian and Fragile Contexts, pointed out that in 2018, less than 2% of humanitarian aid was allocated to early childhood programs. She highlighted UNICEF’s work in Somalia and the success of Makani Centers, which provide nutrition, protection, and education for all children, including refugees.
David Harris, President of Children’s Research and Education Institute and Senior Research Fellow at Columbia University, revealed that children under five receive the least investment globally, despite evidence proving early intervention has the highest returns. He advocated for universal child benefits (UCBs), pointing to Korea and Mexico City’s initiatives that provide financial support to families. He urged governments to increase spending parity for young children and ensure they are counted in emergency relief measures.
Mercedes Mayol Lassalle, World OMEP President, outlined three key priorities: establishing ECEC as a fundamental right, addressing chronic underfunding by tackling corporate tax abuses, and advocating for a UN Decade of ECEC to mobilize international efforts.
Source: UN DESA