Aligned with the Tashkent Declaration, from UNESCO’s World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), UNESCO and the Babilou Family Foundation will host the International Congress on Brain Sciences and ECCE 2024. The congress will feature Nobel Laureate, Professor James Heckman, as the keynote speaker, along with panels by top researchers. It will delve into the neuroscience of early learning, focusing on cognitive development, reducing educational inequalities, and the role of executive functions in socio-emotional growth. This event aims to advance global efforts towards SDG Target 4.2 by translating neuroscience insights into actionable strategies for quality early childhood care and education.
At the heart of this congress is the intersection between neuroscience and early childhood education, featuring three round tables led by eminent researchers:
- Round Table 1: Understanding How Young Children Think and Learn
Delving into cognitive development and the mechanisms behind early learning
- Round Table 2: Limiting Inequalities in Development and Learning
Contributions from brain sciences
- Round Table 3: Developing Socio-Emotional Skills: The Importance of Executive Functions
Examining the critical role of executive functions in the development of young children’s socio-emotional competencies
With only six years left to achieve the SDG Target 4.2 agenda, ensuring quality ECCE for all is not just a goal but a necessity that requires coordination, a cross-sectoral approach, and the collective effort of diverse global stakeholders. Recognizing how neuroscience research and findings must be considered to better inform policy-driven action and programmes, the congress will bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to translate research into concrete policies and practices that enhance the holistic development of young children globally.
