ECD and Climate Change 101 Workshops
ARNEC organises these workshops to raise awareness about the interlinkages between early childhood development and climate changes and environmental degradation.
Early Childhood and Climate Change 101 Workshop in Jakarta, Indonesia
Early Childhood and Climate Change 101 Workshop in Paro, Bhutan
A two-day workshop titled "Climate 101 Workshop and Consultation," hosted by ARNEC in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and UNICEF, concluded in Paro, Bhutan on August 22, 2024. The workshop, attended by 36 senior government leaders, ECCD facilitators, development partners, and civil society representatives, focused on integrating Early Childhood Development (ECD) and climate change initiatives in Bhutan.
Through the workshop, participants gained a deeper appreciation of the intersection between ECD and climate change and helped in identifying opportunities and challenges for ECD and undertaking climate initiatives in Bhutan. Comprehensive action plans were also crafted by participants. Strategies for influencing policy and fostering collaboration among stakeholders were also discussed.
Early Childhood and Climate Change 101 Workshop in Dhaka, Bangladesh
A two-day workshop, Bangladesh ECD Network (BEN) and Asia Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC) brought together key stakeholders in the fields of climate change and early childhood development (ECD) for a pivotal discussion on the intersection of these two crucial issues. Held at the Hotel Lake Castle in Gulshan-2, Dhaka, the Climate 101 Workshop and Consultation on Climate Change and Early Childhood Development took place from February 19 to 20, 2025.
The workshop convened 48 participants, including government representatives, UN and international organization personnel, and experts from NGOs, academia, and civil society organizations. The discussions highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on young children, particularly in Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.
Youth Workshop & Symposium on Climate Action and ECD in Kathmandu, Nepal, 7-9th April 2025
A three-day Youth Workshop on Climate Action and ECD, held brought together 25 dynamic youth advocates from across Nepal, each with a strong background in environmental and climate advocacy, including prior involvement in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) workshops. This two-day immersive event provided a unique platform to explore the critical intersection between climate change and early childhood development.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions to deepen their understanding of ECD, focusing on how climate change disproportionately affects young children. The workshop emphasized the importance of the five components of nurturing care—health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, security and safety, and early learning—and how climate-related disruptions can undermine these foundational aspects of a child’s development.
Through group discussions, scenario analysis, and solution-driven dialogue, the youth collaboratively identified strategies to integrate climate action into ECD policies and programs. The workshop fostered a shared vision for more resilient, child-centered climate responses and empowered participants to advocate for stronger youth involvement in shaping national and local ECD strategies.
By the end of the symposium, participants emerged as more informed, equipped, and inspired change agents, ready to champion the needs of young children in the face of a changing climate..
Indonesia ranks 46 out of 163 countries at high risk to climate change and environmental degradation. Young children in Indonesia are especially vulnerable, bearing the heaviest brunt despite contributing the least to climate emissions. The need to collectively take action is immense.
Hosted by Tanoto Foundation, the workshop provided an introduction to the intersection between early childhood development (ECD) and climate change. The workshop has gone on to spur an advocacy campaign. Read more here.