Investing in early childhood development (ECD) drives transformative progress on development, poverty reduction and inequality reduction, yet countries are not living up to their investment commitments.
This project investigates the profound impacts of investing—or failing to invest—in early childhood development across the G20 and selected African Union and European Union countries. Commissioned by Theirworld in partnership with the University of York and the Learning for Well-being Institute, the study assesses what could have changed if the 2018 G20 ECD initiative had been implemented effectively. It examines how G20 countries prioritize ECD investments compared to other childhood stages, analyzing policy choices and spending levels, and assesses the impact of these investments on improving living conditions for young children and their families. It reviews global literature and analyzes macro trends in ECD investments within the G20, estimating the missed opportunities and social development losses due to insufficient ECD investment since 2018. Findings reveal that limited public spending in early years perpetuates inequality, as disadvantaged children lack access to essential resources and opportunities, widening developmental gaps within and between countries.
Every Family, Every Child, the Theirworld report based on this study, quantifies the potential cost of inaction from 2018 to 2024, tracking differences in poverty rates, learning outcomes, and child health. It demonstrates how increased spending on key supports—like parental leave, child benefits, and early education—could lift millions of children out of poverty, enable greater workforce participation among women, and, as such, drive societal development. Ahead of the 2024 G20 Summit hosted by Brazil, and in light of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s committment to fighting poverty and inequality, this research underscores the urgent need for countries to invest in ECD to combat inequality.
This project was commissioned by Theirworld, and done in partnership with the University of York, ahead of the G20 Summit hosted by Brazil in 2024. The project ran from January 2023 to June 2024.
For access to the full report, visit the Act For Early Years campaign website or explore our background paper detailing the comprehensive data and methodology behind this impactful study.
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