Embracing Pacific Heritage in Early Childhood Development

Apia, Samoa, 13 May 2025 – Leaders from 15 Pacific Island countries are gathered in Apia, Samoa this week to evaluate the progress on ECD in the past two years, since the first Pacific Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum that took place in Fiji in 2023.

“There is no greater calling than to shape the world through the heart of a child. And there is no deeper honour than to do so together — grounded in culture, lifted by purpose, and united by faith,” said the Chief Executive Officer at Samoa’s Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Ms. Loau Donina Va’a.

“Samoa is proud to champion early childhood development across our region, ensuring every child is seen, heard, and nurtured from the very beginning.”

For children to achieve their full potential, they need quality healthcare and nutrition, protection from abuse and violence, early learning opportunities as well as responsive caregiving.

Unfortunately, many disadvantaged children in the region, including those living in poverty, affected by emergencies, on the move, facing discrimination, or with disabilities, miss this window of opportunity for a strong start in life.

“As Minister for Children, I am committed to raising the visibility of children’s needs and ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive. We must be persistent in our efforts to ensure that every child is safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential,” said Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Sashi Kiran.

The Pacific leaders welcomed in an Ava Ceremony.

Under the 2025 theme ‘Our Children, Our Heritage: Blue Pacific Resilience through ECD Leadership’, government ministers and representatives from several sectors, including education, finance, health and social welfare, will participate in cross-country and multi-sectoral dialogue during the three-day forum held from 13 to 15 May. This network is essential for fostering collaboration and to share learning.

“We have come a long way in progressing ECD in the region, and I am excited to see everything that has been achieved by the countries since we last met in 2023,” said Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF Pacific Representative.

“Embracing a whole of region approach is not only about protecting our young children, but it also means shared support to stop cycles of poverty and under-development undermining the strength and stability of our societies.”

The region will discuss the need for more investment in the culture and traditions that are so rich in the Pacific to drive change and address gaps in ECD. For example, massaging babies is a common tradition of love and connection, but this also comes with health benefits. This includes improving digestion, boosting the immune system, enhancing sleep patterns, and strengthening bonds between parents and young children.

By strengthening these values, young children will be able to get more opportunities for positive physical growth and brain development.

The Forum, hosted by the Government of Samoa, is organized by the Pacific Regional Council for ECD (PRC4ECD) and UNICEF, with the financial support of the Governments of New Zealand and Australia as well as technical support from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.