To guide the development of early childhood care and education (ECCE) in Southeast Asia from 2026 to 2030, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) launched the Joint Roadmap in Jakarta on April 9, 2026.

The launch, led by Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, M.Ed., the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education of Indonesia, emphasised the importance of enhancing governance, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, empowering communities, harnessing digital innovation, and ensuring sustainable financing to achieve the goals of ECCE.

ARNEC was among the partners invited to receive a copy of the ASEAN SEAMEO Roadmap for ECCE. Other ARNEC partners who also received the Roadmap included UNESCO Jakarta, SEAMEO-CECCEP, and the Tanoto Foundation. These organisations were recognised as partners committed to supporting ECCE through the roadmap.

The Joint Roadmap aligns with ARNEC’s current Strategy and work priorities, particularly expanding equitable and inclusive access to quality ECCE services, strengthening the ECCE workforce, empowering parents and caregivers to support Early Childhood Development (ECD), mobilising financial resources for ECCE initiatives, and enhancing governance and partnerships in the ECCE sector.