Newborn lifted in father's hands.

What science says

What science says

Advancing early childhood development globally 
Newborn lifted in father's hands.
Newborn lifted in father's hands. © Kellyrichardsonfl | Dreamstime Images

Introduction

New scientific evidence highlights the need for multi-sectorial interventions to ensure that all children receive “nurturing care”. Building on the findings and recommendations of previous research, the most recent compelling scientific evidence supports of the need to implement early childhood development programs of proven value at scale across the globe. 

Explore this work area by scrolling through each of the sections and subsections below. 

Additional information relating to this work area will be provided as it becomes available.

Topics & initiatives

"The Beginning of Life" documentary banner of young girl gazing at apple blossom.

Documentary "The Beginning of Life"

This pioneering film aims to raise awareness on the importance of investing in the early years of life,  and how scientific evidence supports the developmental wellbeing of young children, defining both the present and future of mankind. 
Cover "Pathways to Peace: The Transformative Power of Children & Families."

Revolutionary volume "Pathways to peace: The transformative power of children & families"

Explore this groundbreaking global collection of scholarly work that investigates ways in which children are raised as critical factors that can inform a community’s tendency toward peace versus conflict.
Two-year-old East Indian boy looks forward to a hopeful future.

What is early childhood development (ECD)?

Learn more about early childhood development, a concept that encompasses both the child and the child’s environment.
Mother and father share a bonding experience with their young child by holding hands on an ocean beach at sunset.

New Directions in Child & Adolescent Development 2018 | Celebrating the transformative power of children & families to build a more peaceful world

Six-month-old Maniratou Mahamadou, held by her mother, Habsatou Salou, smiles after a nutrition screening at the Boukoki Integrated Health Centre in Niamey, the capital of Niger.

The Lancet Series 2017 | Advancing early childhood development: From science to scale

  • Science through the life course

  • Nurturing care / framework

  • Investing in the foundation of sustainable development

  • Series commentaries

  • 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
Young girl holds her younger brother, Madagascar.

The Lancet Series 2007, 2011 | Early child development

  • Inequality in early childhood 

  • Strategies for reducing inequalities and improving developmental outcomes

  • The Lancet TV "The Debate: Early Childhood Development"
Father bonds with his newborn baby.

Primary prevention in child psychiatry: The transformative power of children & families

Yale child and adolescent psychiatrist, James F. Leckman, provides a synopsis of responsive parenting and the epigenetic, neurobiological and clinical evidence supporting the well-being of children and families as an agent of change for sustainable peace.

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