ARNEC is pleased to share the insights and experiences of ECD experts and practitioners in the region on the state of environmental health and the impacts on young children and ECD through the articles and thought pieces included in the 2020 ARNEC Connections. Their message is clear: environmental degradation erodes the potential for ECD and sustainable development. Policies and programs need to respond to the interlinkages of environmental health, climate change, and ECD.

The collective voice of the ECD experts and practitioners in this edition calls for integrated and multi-sectoral action to promote healthy, sustainable environments for young children and inclusive processes to inform children friendly solutions.