On 3 September 2025, the Learning for Well-being Institute participated in the launch of the report “Young Children and the Polycrisis: Where to from here?”, produced by Grand Challenges Canada and the Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN).

The report paints a stark picture: over 100 million more children are living in poverty, and 180 million have missed out on early education due to intersecting global crises, including climate breakdown, conflict, economic instability, and public health emergencies. Vulnerable groups such as refugees, children with disabilities, and those in humanitarian settings are most at risk.

Dominic Richardson, Managing Director of the Institute, joined a panel of international experts to discuss the findings. His contribution centred on innovative financing and social protection as critical levers to address these growing challenges. He noted that while infrastructure has reduced child mortality worldwide, policies often fail to prioritise the specific needs of children and families. Greater investment in targeted, child-centred systems could accelerate progress.

Speakers agreed that the current moment demands more than incremental change. Traditional approaches to scaling interventions are proving inadequate. The way forward requires systems transformation, long-term investment, and bold cross-sector collaboration to create environments where children can thrive despite the pressures of the polycrisis.

The Learning for Well-being Institute is proud to support global efforts that push for sustainable solutions, recognising that the early years are pivotal for lifelong well-being and social equity.

Read the full report here.