The Government of Rwanda, in partnership with key stakeholders, successfully co-hosted the three-day Global Technical Financing Forum on Early Childhood Development (ECD) from 06 - 08 May 2026, aimed at advancing sustainable financing for the early years and reflecting on what it will take to move from evidence to action in financing early childhood development.

Held under the theme “Investing in the Early Years: A Global Technical Financing Forum,” the event brought together government representatives, influential leaders, investors, and development partners. Through presentations, expert panel discussions, and in-depth engagements, participants shared insights and expertise on strengthening investment in the early years.

Participants emphasized that the forum was not about repeating commitments, but about translating evidence into practical and coordinated action, as highlighted by the Deputy Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), Gilbert Munyemana, during expert panel discussions.

“We are not here for declarations. We are here for practical solutions, actions, and recommendations that we can put into practice by integrating them into our strategic plans, implementation, and monitoring through continuous collaboration and reflection,” said Gilbert.

In her opening remarks, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolee Uwimana emphasized the urgent need to increase investment in early childhood and ensure the effective and efficient use of available resources to achieve maximum and sustainable impact for children.

“In Rwanda, Early Childhood Development is a national priority. Guided by our vision 2050, we are investing in integrated services that support children’s health, nutrition, early learning, hygiene, protection, and family well-being,” She said.

Rokhaya Fall Diawara, a participant of the forum underscored the importance of collective responsibility and global alignment in advancing early childhood development.

“Our ambition is to see all 194 member states prioritize early childhood by investing more resources and using our convening power to ensure early childhood education remains a critical entry point for development,” Rokhaya noted.

The forum recommended that achieving sustainable impact for young children requires strong public systems, improved data systems, coordinated partnerships, and financing approaches designed around the realities of families and communities.

The Global Technical Financing Forum on ECD was co-hosted by the Government of Rwanda, the Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN), the African Early Childhood Network (AfECN), UNICEF, UNESCO, and World Health Organization in support of the Actor for the Early Years Campaign.