Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, August 14, 2024
New Zealand has reaffirmed its commitment to the well-being of children across the Pacific by announcing a substantial investment in early childhood development (ECD) projects. During a recent visit to Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters revealed that New Zealand will allocate $NZ4.4 million to support UNICEF-led initiatives aimed at enhancing early childhood development outcomes in the North Pacific.
“This focus on child well-being is underpinned by a commitment to longer-term economic development for the benefit of current and future generations,” Mr Peters stated during his visit. The investment marks a significant step forward in New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to support sustainable development and prosperity in the Pacific region.
New Zealand’s Commitment to Regional Partnerships
The announcement was made as part of a broader tour of the Pacific region by a high-level New Zealand delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. The delegation’s visit to FSM provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with local leaders and understand the unique challenges and priorities facing Micronesian communities.
“Our engagements here in FSM are a vital opportunity to hear the perspectives of local political leaders, deepen our understanding of Micronesian priorities, and show our continued commitment to the region,” Mr Peters explained.
The delegation included Jenny Salesa, Chair of the Labour Pacific Caucus, Tim van de Molen, Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee (FADTC) and Teanau Tuiono, a member of FADTC. While in FSM, they met with President Wesley Simina, Vice President Aren Palik, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert, and members of the FSM Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs to discuss shared priorities and explore opportunities for collaboration on regional issues.
FSM was the third stop on the delegation’s four-country Pacific tour, which included earlier visits to Fiji and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, with Palau being the final destination.
Addressing critical gaps
Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a comprehensive approach to the care and development of children from birth to school entry age, typically around five years old in the Pacific. ECD encompasses a wide range of services, including health, nutrition, protection, early learning, and quality child care, all of which are critical for the holistic development of young children.
The investment in ECD is particularly timely, given the challenges highlighted by the World Bank’s Human Development Index, which reveals that children born in several Pacific Island countries are only achieving about 47% of their developmental potential due to limited access to health and education opportunities.
The long-term goal of ECD initiatives in the Pacific is to ensure that all children achieve their developmental potential in inclusive and equitable care environments, supported by robust programmes and policies. To achieve this, UNICEF Pacific is working closely with governments, communities, and other partners to implement systemic improvements across the region.
UNICEF’s multi-faceted strategy
UNICEF Pacific has outlined a comprehensive strategy to promote ECD in the region, focusing on six key areas to drive systemic change and improve outcomes for young children:
- Fostering Multi-Sectoral Coordination: Ensuring that different sectors, including health, education, and social services, work together to provide comprehensive support for early childhood development.
- Improving Service Delivery: Enhancing the availability and quality of essential services for young children and their families, including health care, nutrition, and early learning opportunities.
- Promoting Positive Parenting: Encouraging caregiving behaviours and social norms that support nurturing care and positive parenting practices.
- Broadening Data and Evidence-Gathering Systems: Expanding the collection and use of data to inform policies and programmes that support ECD.
- Strengthening Public Financing: Advocating for increased public investment in ECD to ensure sustainable and long-term support for early childhood programmes.
- Using Advocacy and Communications: Leveraging communication strategies to raise awareness and support for ECD goals across the region.
New Zealand’s investment represents a crucial contribution to these efforts, underscoring the country’s dedication to the future of Pacific Island children. By supporting these initiatives, New Zealand is helping to lay the foundation for healthier, more prosperous communities across the Pacific, ensuring that the youngest members of these societies have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
