From Local Models to Global Momentum

The International Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference – Addis Ababa 2026 will convene political leaders, practitioners, development partners, philanthropies, researchers and implementing organizations to advance evidence-based strategies, political commitment and sustainable financing for the early years.

Hosted by the Addis Ababa City Administration, the African Center for Early Childhood Development (AfC-ECD) and the Strategic Program Management Office, the conference provides a platform for African and global stakeholders to exchange experience, compare approaches, and strengthen early childhood systems.

The conference is anchored in Addis Ababa’s government-led, multi-sectoral approach to early childhood development, which integrates health, early education, parenting support, childcare services, and child-friendly public spaces within a coordinated city-wide system. The convening will draw on Addis and other models to encourage learning and adaptation across different contexts.

Purpose of the Conference

The conference will:

• Present evidence-based and scalable early childhood development models.
• Strengthen political leadership and governance for early childhood.
• Catalyst domestic and international financing.
• Promote knowledge exchange among African and global experiences.
• Build momentum towards the International Financing Summit for Early Childhood in 2027.

Conference Focus Areas

The program will be structured around four core themes:

• Political Leadership and Governance
• Evidence and Data Informed Approaches
• Delivery Systems and Workforce Capacity
• Financing and Investment at Scale

Strategic Context

The conference is intentionally positioned within the global policy and financing trajectory towards the 2027 International Financing Summit for Early Childhood. It aims to contribute African leadership, practical delivery experience and policy momentum to the global early years agenda.

Who Will Attend

More than 300 participants are expected, including:

• National and city governments
• Regional bodies
• United Nations agencies and multilateral institutions
• Development partners and philanthropy
• Academia and research institutions
• Civil society organizations
• Private sector representatives

Participation will include ministers, mayors, senior officials and technical leaders from across Africa and international partners.

Expected Outcomes

The conference aims to strengthen political and financial commitment to early childhood development, facilitate knowledge exchange, and position Africa as a contributor to global early childhood policy and financing discussions.