Pacific Island nations have completed a regional forum in Apia, Samoa, reaffirming their commitment to early childhood development (ECD) by embracing cultural heritage and strengthening regional collaboration.
The three-day Pacific ECD Forum, which wrapped up today, brought together government leaders and sector representatives from 15 countries to assess progress since 2023 and explore how traditional practices can support the growth and well-being of the region’s youngest citizens.
Under the theme “Our Children, Our Heritage: Blue Pacific Resilience through ECD Leadership,” the forum provided a platform for cross-sectoral dialogue among leaders in health, education, finance, and social welfare. Delegates shared successes, discussed persistent challenges, and reinforced the importance of culturally grounded approaches to give every child the best start in life.
“There is no greater calling than to shape the world through the heart of a child,” said Ms. Loau Donina Va’a, Chief Executive Officer of Samoa’s Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development. “Samoa is proud to champion early childhood development across our region, ensuring every child is seen, heard, and nurtured from the very beginning.”
Despite growing momentum across the Pacific, many children—especially those living in poverty, affected by climate emergencies, displaced, or with disabilities—still face barriers to healthcare, protection, early learning, and responsive caregiving. The forum highlighted the need for stronger policies and increased investment to close these gaps.
“As Minister for Children, I am committed to raising the visibility of children’s needs,” said Sashi Kiran, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection. “We must be persistent in our efforts to ensure that every child is safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
Participants also emphasised the value of traditional knowledge and cultural practices in supporting child development. Practices such as infant massage—common in many Pacific communities—not only deepen emotional bonds between caregivers and children but also offer physical health benefits, including improved digestion and stronger immune systems.
“Embracing a whole-of-region approach is not only about protecting our young children,” said Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF Pacific Representative. “It also means shared support to stop cycles of poverty and under-development undermining the strength and stability of our societies.”
The forum was hosted by the Samoan Government and organised by the Pacific Regional Council for ECD (PRC4ECD) and UNICEF, with support from the Governments of New Zealand and Australia, as well as the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
