G20 2025 emphasises Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability; T20 pivots on Consolidate and Sustain. This policy brief presents Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) as key to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), reducing inequalities, and building resilient, inclusive, peaceful and sustainable societies.
With only five years remaining to achieve the SDGs, humanity must accelerate progress on foundational early learning and equitable development. ECCE is critical to overcoming intergenerational cycles of poverty, fostering gender equity and mitigating impacts of global crises such as climate change, migration and pandemics. Disruptions caused by COVID-19 underscore a need for competent, resilient, multisectoral ECCE systems to ensure no child is left behind. South Africa’s G20 presidency prioritises inclusive growth, sustainability, and ECCE. This brief aligns with TF4: Solidarity for the Achievement of the SDGs. It focuses on accelerating SDG enablers, reducing negative spillovers and reducing inequalities by situating ECCE as the foundation for enabling societies to build more equitable and sustainable futures for all.
Despite progress made, significant challenges remain. Persistent disparities in access, equity, quality, and financing globally, between and within countries and regions, prevent ECCE from achieving its potential impact. Progress requires tackling these obstacles head-on. Strengthened political will and increased investment and commitment to innovative, inclusive approaches can ensure ECCE is universally recognised and implemented as the cornerstone for sustainable development.
This policy brief consolidates eight years of T20 recommendations provided by our global group of authors into a coherent, actionable roadmap for prioritising ECCE as the foundation for sustainable, inclusive development. Aligning with the T20 theme, leveraging the commitments of the Tashkent Declaration, UNESCO reports, and the Global Partnership Strategy, it offers practical, evidence-based pathways towards transformative change for young children.
