@article {7651, title = {Intergenerational Pathways to Peace: Putting Children First. Policy Brief, Global Health Studies Program}, year = {2024}, month = {January 2024}, publisher = {Global Health Studies Program, Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University}, address = {New Haven, CT USA}, abstract = {
In this brief, we argue that Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a catalyst for intergenerational\ peacebuilding and community stability. ECD interventions, encompassing learning, stimulation, and\ social cohesion, foster vital skills for peaceful societies. We argue that nutrition serves as a critical\ entry point for implementing integrated ECD initiatives, which hold promise in advancing strategic\ peacebuilding. We underscore the significance of adequate nutrition and caregiver empowerment.\ Nutrition\’s role in positive social behavior and cognitive development is a critical component, offering\ a pathway to a more peaceful society. Quality caregiving, influenced by caregiver mental health, directly impacts\ child development. Programs targeting maternal well-being, like Pakistan\’s Thinking Healthy\ initiative, yield positive outcomes for both mothers and children. Moreover, we highlight the essential\ pillars of social cohesion and economic development in peacebuilding. These elements reinforce each\ other, reducing conflict risks and fostering peaceful societies. Ultimately, we emphasize the transformative\ potential of children and families as peacebuilders, with ECD programs serving as a valuable tool for grassroots\ peace initiatives. We conclude that investing in integrated ECD and nutrition programs, alongside\ caregiver empowerment, presents a cost- effective approach to impactful peacebuilding, nurturing
sustainable peace, prosperity, and community cohesion.
}, keywords = {caregiving, early childhood development, Mental Health, nutrition, Parenting, peacebuilding, Social cohesion, violence prevention}, url = {https://issuu.com/jacksonyale/docs/ca026655_jacksonghs_intergenerational_full-report}, author = {Merritt ME and Peterson E and Shaheen R and Zerbib A and Mellinghoff S and Nuli S and De Oliveira S and Ramirez JB and Fallon C and Panter-Brick C and Hein S} }