This background report highlights the critical role of investing in early childhood development (ECD) to foster sustainable and equitable social development. It explores the G20’s past commitments to ECD and assesses the costs of government’s inaction since the 2018 G20 initiative for early child development. Findings reveal a disparity in ECD spending, with children in African Union countries receiving, on average, significantly less investment than their European counterparts. The report stresses that low ECD spending not only stymies poverty reduction efforts but also hinders maternal employment and undermines early educational outcomes. By demonstrating the long-term societal and economic costs of delayed ECD investment, this report underscores an urgent call for action from G20 nations to prioritize ECD for a more equitable future for all.
The Proven Solutions for Children policy brief, developed by UNICEF and the Learning for Well-being Institute, highlights evidence-based and cost-effective that deliver on child outcomes for children’s well-being. Key interventions include early childhood nutrition and development programmes, immunisation, quality secondary education for girls and child benefits. These policies are examples of solutions that can generate multiple outcomes and require urgent attention and prioritisation by governments to achieve widespread and lasting outcomes for children.
This policy note from UNICEF and the Learning for Well-being Institute examines how African governments allocate social spending for children, highlighting the need for greater investment in early childhood. Compared to G20 countries, where a larger share of resources supports young children, Africa’s spending priorities are more focused on older age groups. The note calls for rebalancing spending to better support the early years, which are crucial for long-term human capital development.
The brief describes the impact of integrating cash benefits with care services, particularly healthcare and education, to enhance social mobility and well-being. It highlights key findings from global studies, showing that while cash transfer programs reduce poverty, their effectiveness is significantly boosted when combined with other interventions. The integration, known as “cash plus,” addresses both […]
The brief focuses on the cost of inaction regarding early childhood development (ECD). It highlights that underinvestment in ECD leads to poor outcomes for children, families, and societies, resulting in inefficiencies and inequalities. The brief underscores the need for countries, especially G20 members, to rebalance their public expenditures and prioritize early childhood policies. Key recommendations […]
This policy brief reviews global research on the impact of cash payments provided during pregnancy, on birth outcomes and longer-term outcomes for children, assessing whether targeting families prior to birth improves overall child well-being. It was published by the Centre on Poverty and Social Policy, Columbia University. For more information, please contact us here.
The promise of universal child benefits: The foundational policy for economic and social development
This Social Protection Spotlight brief reviews evidence on how universal child benefits contribute to child poverty reduction. It identifies a set of policy design considerations, informed by international social security standards, intended to support countries considering establishing or enhancing universal child benefits. It was co-authored by the Learning for Well-being Institute, UNICEF and ILO, and […]
