Uniting to Achieve SDG 4.2 through Regional Workshop to Accelerate Progress in Africa
The Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD), recognized as a Category 2 Institute for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) by UNESCO, acknowledges the pivotal role that ECCE plays in shaping the future of our world. The ‘Tashkent Declaration and Commitments to Action for Transforming ECCE’ serves as a guiding framework for advancing ECCE, ensuring equal access, and supporting the holistic development of young children in alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
In light of the recent Tashkent+1 event organized by UNESCO in November 2023, which marked the one-year anniversary of the Tashkent Declaration, it has become evident that concerted efforts are needed to make progress towards achieving the goals set out in SDG 4.2. This poses a significant global challenge, with the African region facing additional hurdles such as limited educational access, socioeconomic barriers, and insufficient investments.
To address these challenges and drive progress towards meeting the commitments outlined in the Tashkent Declaration, the IECD, will be hosting a three-day workshop for both the Southern and the Eastern African Community. The workshop aims to assess the progress made so far and develop strategies for the future, with a focus on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and effective monitoring and evaluation practices in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
To be held next week on June 5th and 7th, the workshop will bring together representatives from UNESCO Category 2 Centres from 17 African countries including Seychelles to discuss progress and the roadmap for success in implementing the Tashkent Declaration on ECCE.
The Tashkent Declaration was formulated during the second World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education in November 2022, where participants from 147 Member States reaffirmed the right of every young child to quality ECCE. The declaration outlines guiding principles and strategies for the urgent transformation of ECCE to accelerate achievement of SDG Target 4.2, with concrete actions for Member States, the international community, non-governmental organizations, and UNESCO.
Over 25 international delegates will gather in the capital city of Seychelles, Victoria Mahe, for the regional workshop to discuss national progress and future steps in line with the Tashkent Declaration.
Leading the organization of the workshop is the Chief Executive Officer Institute, Mrs. Shirley Choppy, with the support of the Governing Board and IECD Local Board of the IECD
