Jakarta, 20 October 2026, Around 150 government representatives, early childhood development (ECD) experts, researchers, practitioners, development partners, and philanthropic organisations from across Asia-Pacific are gathering in Jakarta for the 2026 Asia-Pacific Regional Learning Forum on Early Childhood Development, taking place from 20 to 22 October.

Convened by the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC) in partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Tanoto Foundation, Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Early Childhood Care Education and Parenting (SEAMEO CECCEP), and Koalisi Nasional PAUD HI, the Forum is held under the theme “From Knowledge to Collective Action: Strengthening Climate-Responsive and Well-Financed ECD Systems in Asia-Pacific”. 

The Forum brings together representatives from Indonesia and 15 other countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, India, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. 

The Forum fosters regional dialogue and collaboration by enabling participants to come together to share evidence, exchange country experience,  and explore practical ways to strengthen ECD systems. Discussions focus on two closely connected priorities: building climate-responsive ECD systems and mobilising adequate, equitable, and sustainable financing for young children.

Young children are particularly vulnerable to climate-related risks, including extreme weather and disruptions to essential health, nutrition, care, and early learning services. Across the region, governments and partners are also exploring ways to sustain and strengthen investment in ECD amid diverse national priorities and resource constraints.

In her opening remarks at the Forum, Indonesia’s Secretary-General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ir. Suharti, M.A., Ph.D., highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to build a strong coalition for Indonesia’s children.

“One of the key policy initiatives currently under development is the introduction of one year of compulsory early childhood education, in line with the national priority of 13 Years of Compulsory Education. The Ministry’s other priority programmes include revitalising schools and early childhood education centres to ensure safe and adequate learning environments, as well as expanding the Program Indonesia Pintar (PIP), or Smart Indonesia Programme, to reach children at the preschool level,” Suharti added.

 Evelyn Santiago, Executive Director of ARNEC, added: “The Asia-Pacific region is highly vulnerable to climate change, with countries across the region consistently ranking among the highest in the Climate Risk Index. Since 2019, ARNEC has been raising awareness about the impacts of climate change on young children. This Regional Learning Forum is a part of that long-standing advocacy. By bringing together national governments, researchers, development partners, philanthropies, teachers and child development workers in one room, we hope to translate the knowledge and experiences we already have into stronger, collective action for climate-resilient, responsive, and sustainably financed ECD systems.” 

Over the three-day programme, participants will examine country approaches to climate resilience, financing strategies and regional cooperation. 

• Day 1 focuses on climate-responsive ECD and how to protect young children, and the services they rely on, from climate-related risks. 
• Day 2 turns to financing, including how countries can sustain and strengthen investment in the early years, and a dialogue between government representatives to exchange practical experience on mobilising and using resources for young children. 
• Day 3 looks ahead, with sessions on artificial intelligence and digital technology in early childhood and on children’s voices. 

The Forum will also highlight the Act for Early Years Campaign, a global call to provide access to quality early childhood development, care and preschool education to all girls and boys. As part of the Campaign, the Forum will also encourage the signing of the Campaign’s “Minifesto,” which calls for greater attention to and investment in early childhood development. Any endorsements by government officials and participants will be confirmed after the relevant Forum session.

 “Investing in young children requires sustained collaboration. Philanthropy can complement government efforts by supporting evidence generation, innovation and the institutional capacity needed to translate effective approaches into lasting improvements. We welcome the opportunity to learn alongside governments and partners across the region,” said Eddy Henry, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Tanoto Foundation.

Principal Expert Policy Analyst at the Directorate of Early Childhood Education (PAUD) of Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ir Harris Iskandar,  Ph.D spoke about how Indonesia is strengthening ECD financing. He said, “Ensuring equitable access to quality early childhood education requires sustainable financing and shared responsibility. Indonesia continues to strengthen its financing mechanisms through government support, evidence-based planning, and collaboration with local governments, communities, and other stakeholders. Our priority is to ensure that available resources effectively support safe, inclusive, and quality early learning opportunities for every child.”

Prof. Vina Adriany, Ph.D  Director of SEAMEO CECCEP, highlighted several priorities for strengthening early childhood care and education (ECCE) systems across Southeast Asia. These priorities reflect the Centre’s contribution to advancing the implementation of the ASEAN–SEAMEO Joint Roadmap on ECCE through research and development, capacity building, and regional partnerships.

Prof. Vina Adriany, Ph.D added, “Strengthening early childhood care and education systems requires us to address not only the quality of services but also the structural challenges that affect their sustainability and equity. Financing needs to be supported by a strong legal framework, reach children and communities equitably, and remain sustainable beyond short-term donor support. At the same time, climate change needs to be integrated into early childhood education through age-appropriate learning approaches that help young children understand environmental challenges and prevention.” 

Further highlighting how the two issues connect, Dr. Irma Yuliantina, Coordinator at Koalisi Nasional PAUD HI said: “As climate-related risks intensify, adequately financed and resilient ECD systems are increasingly critical to ensuring that essential services for young children continue before, during, and after crises. Strengthening investment in ECD is therefore essential not only for children’s development and well-being, but also for building systems that can better protect young children in a changing climate.”

During the Forum, ARNEC will also launch its new 2026–2030 strategy, developed through consultation with global, regional, and national partners. The strategy will guide ARNEC’s work with the ECD community across Asia-Pacific.

“Countries across the Asia-Pacific region stand at a critical point where they cannot afford to continue with the status quo. Through shared learning, dialogue and partnerships, ARNEC and its partners aim to build momentum for practical, coordinated action so that more young children across the region can thrive,” added Evelyn Santiago.