The ARNEC Learning Forum in Cebu, Philippines on 9-11 August 2023 ended with cross-country sharing of context-responsive programs promoting multisectoral approaches to ECD; playful parenting and responsive caregiving, ECD and climate resilience; and ECD workforce and social and emotional learning, among others, in the Asia-Pacific region.

Using mixed learning methodologies, the ARNEC forum provided opportunities for interaction among 80 participants from 17 countries in the region. Aside from region-wide presentations by ARNEC, UNESCO, and UNICEF on the state of ECD post-pandemic and other system-level and country-specific priorities from the Tashkent Declaration and draft ASEAN Declaration on ECCE, there were also program-focused good practices at the country level shared, including breakout discussion groups on specific topics.

ARNEC has put together all presentations made at the Learning Forum. “We are pleased to make these resources available to the wider ECD community to reach as many as possible. We need to amplify the good things our partners are doing in the region to move the agenda for early childhood, learn from what has worked well, and agree on what needs to be prioritized based on regional and country-level opportunities and risks,” Evelyn Santiago, ARNEC Executive Director, said.

ARNEC has committed to use its knowledge and advocacy platforms to sustain post-Learning Forum discussions and collaboration.