Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) has become one of the most important issues that emerged from the era called Education for All (EFA). One of the targets for Goal 4 (Education) in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is “ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education” by 2030. Furthermore, the rights of children to survival, development, and protection are guaranteed in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, concluded in 196 countries and territories worldwide, including Japan. However, millions of children around the world are still deprived of these rights.

The care and education of children still shows significant regional disparities, and there are many countries where no such program has been put into practice for children under the age of three. Apparently, ECCE coverage differs conspicuously among countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, the comprehensive spread and improvement of early childhood care and education in every country is of extreme importance to the health and happiness of children, as well as to the future development of each country. As outlined in the SDGs, the goal should begin by providing an inclusive, fair, and quality education, and fostering the opportunity of lifelong study to all people,” which “shall signify the provision of ‘strong foundations’ to children during their childhood, and which should also continue during adult life.

Given such circumstances, this year’s JEF for SDGs will focus on early childhood and discuss, from various aspects including the policies concerned and co-operation/assistance, the current status and tasks surrounding the provision of a positive foundation for children, which is expected to be passed on to the next generation. In the keynote speech, the benefit to children of early childhood care and education will be validated in light of SDGs’ viewpoint, and we fully expect to have a very meaningful exchange of opinions with the participants at the panel discussion.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the seminar.