MMM calls for investing in Early Childhood Development to fight poverty

10.05.17

UN New York - In a written statement to ECOSOC, MMM draws attention to the scientific, economic and social cases for supporting maternal physical and mental health, Early Parenting and Early Childhood Education and Care and calls on governments to recognize the critical importance of the early years of a child, starting during pregnancy and invest in Early Child Hood Development.

MMM also calls on Governments

to develop national cross-sectorial policies for educating and supporting mothers and fathers in their caring roles so that every baby benefits from protective, loving, nurturing and stimulating environments and relationships, and
to Recognize that the unpaid work of caring for a newborn baby or a very young child is essential but need to be better distributed and supported.

Early Childhood Care and Education – starting during pregnancy – and empowering mothers and other caregivers in the essential role of upbringing children is the best investment a country can make. Not only it is a matter of child rights, but it will be key to the realization Goal 1 – Eradicating Poverty -, and more generally the 2030 Development Agenda.

MMM written Statement was submitted ahead of the Annual Ministerial Review of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) that takes place every summer. The theme for 2017 is « “Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions through promoting sustainable development, expanding opportunities and addressing related challenges“.

MMM written statement as submitted in April 2017