Global Forum on Investing in Early Childhood
Business Support for a Thriving Economy & Social Wellbeing
A dynamic daylong virtual event exploring the economic and social benefits of investing in young children.
The Center for Business Champions (CBC) at Childhood Education International invites you to the Global Forum on Investing in Early Childhood: Business Support for a Thriving Economy & Social Wellbeing. This dynamic virtual event will convene early childhood experts, practitioners, civil society leaders, business innovators, and policymakers to explore the economic and social benefits of investing in young children—and the powerful role businesses can play in shaping a thriving future for all.
The daylong online forum will spotlight groundbreaking research on Early Childhood Development (ECD)’s impact on workforce readiness, economic growth, and societal wellbeing, while also showcasing practical models of business-ECD collaboration that deliver tangible, lasting change. Participants will hear from distinguished speakers across sectors, including business executives, development organizations, and grassroots leaders who have successfully built partnerships that benefit children, families, and communities.
Global Forum on Investing in Early Childhood:
Business Support for a Thriving Economy & Social Wellbeing
Date: April 8, 2025
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm EDT (13:00-21:00 GMT)
Location: Online
Price: Free
Join for the full day if possible, or attend the sessions that work best with your schedule.
We are excited that the Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN) is joining the event as a collaborating organization.
View the Full Event Program Here
Agenda
Part 1: The Case for Investing in Early Childhood
9:00-11:30am EDT (13:00-15:30 GMT)
- Welcome & Event Opening
- The State of Children Worldwide: Why Early Investment Matters
- Making the Business Case for Investment: Neuroscience & Economics
Part 2: Strategies for Business-ECD Collaboration
12:00-2:50 EDT (16:00-18:50 GMT)
- Building Partnerships with Businesses: Laying the Foundation
- Putting the “S” in ESG: Prioritizing Children in Social Responsibility
- Business-ECD Partnerships in Action: Success Stories
Part 3: Turning Insights into Action
3:10-5:00pm EDT (19:10-21:00 GMT)
- Building and Sustaining ECD/Business Partnerships: Practical Steps for Taking Action
- Innovative Financing for ECD: Unlocking Business Investment for Early Childhood Development
- Closing Session: Moving Forward & Takeaways
Confirmed Speakers
- Ana Maria Flores, Coordinator of the Business Coordinating Council Network (CCCE) for Early Childhood
- Carlos González-Sancho, Policy Analyst, OECD Directorate for Education
- Diane Whitehead, President & CEO, Childhood Education International
- Divya Lata, Early Childhood Specialist, UNICEF
- Elizabeth Lule, Executive Director, Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN)
- Emily Friedman, Head of Business Impact, the Global Business Coalition for Education
- Emily Gustafsson-Wright, Senior Fellow – Global Economy and Development, Center for Universal Education at Brookings
- Fuen Garcia, Coordinator of Projects and Alliances in Early Childhood, FEMSA Foundation
- Gloria Njambi Ndekei, Executive Director, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
- Justin van Fleet, President, Theirworld; CEO, Global Business Coalition for Education
- Louise Albertyn, Learning and Engagement Associate, Education Outcomes Fund
- Malin Liljert, Director of CRIB Global Consultancy Services, Centre for Child Rights and Business
- Michael Carren, CSR Executive Consultant
- Nancy Fishman, National Director, ReadyNation
- Nina Vollmer, Director of Children’s Rights and Sustainability, Global Child Forum
- Rashanda Perryman, Senior Manager, Vanguard
- Sara Watson, Director, Center for Business Champions
- Sarah Hesz, Associate Director, Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood/UK Business Taskforce for Early Childhood
- Victor Graça, Superintendent, Fundação Abrinq pelos Direitos da Criança (FADC)
- Warren Farrer, CEO, The Do More Foundation
Additional details regarding sessions, topics, and speakers will be added on a rolling basis.
Why Attend?
This forum will provide high-level insights and practical strategies for action:
- Discover the Evidence – Learn from leading experts about the economic and social benefits of investing in early childhood.
- Explore Proven Models – Hear from businesses and ECD leaders who have successfully partnered to drive meaningful impact.
- Build Your Network – Connect with a global community of business leaders, childhood development experts, policymakers, and funders.
- Take Action – Gain practical guidance on how businesses and ECD leaders can work together to build a stronger, more sustainable future.
Who Should Attend?
This forum is designed for leaders and changemakers across sectors, including:
- Business leaders and CSR/ESG professionals
- Early childhood and education advocates, practitioners, and policymakers
- Government representatives and public sector officials
- Global organizations and development institutions
- Parents, community leaders, and grassroots organizers
- Potential funders, impact investors, and philanthropic organizations
By joining this forum, you will contribute to a growing global movement that positions early childhood development as a cornerstone of economic strength and social wellbeing. Join us as we reimagine business engagement in early childhood and build a future where investing in young children means investing in a thriving world.
Key Themes & Objectives
Highlighting the Economic and Social Case for ECD Investments – Underscoring how early childhood investments fuel workforce productivity, economic resilience, and social wellbeing.
Building Effective Business-ECD Partnerships – Showcasing how businesses can engage in ECD through CSR, ESG strategies, advocacy, funding, and innovative workplace policies.
Practical Strategies for Collaboration – Providing actionable guidance on how to initiate and sustain partnerships between the private sector and ECD stakeholders.
Amplifying Success Stories – Featuring real-world case studies of business-ECD partnerships driving measurable impact.
Fostering a Global Movement – Strengthening a network of ECD advocates, businesses, policymakers, and funders dedicated to transformative change.
Contact Yvette G. Murphy, Senior Global Education Advisor at CE International, at ymurphy@ceinternational1892.org with any questions.