The Economics of Transformative Early Childhood Development: Cost-Effective Approaches in Crisis Contexts
Date: March 19, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM EST | 2:30 PM CET | 3:30 PM Amman Time |1:30 PM GMT
Location: https://rescue.zoom.us/j/92730870916?pwd=Yf3y4gGp4ghcYzzFGm5mBfaDliOSQV.1 Meeting ID: 927 3087 0916 Passcode: 192255
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As humanitarian needs continue to rise, and budgets remain constrained, prioritizing investments that generate the greatest long-term impact is more critical than ever. Research from institutions such as the World Bank, Brookings Institution, and Nobel laureate economist Dr. James Heckman has shown that investing in Early Childhood Development (ECD) yields significant social and economic returns. In crisis contexts, these investments are even more vital, fostering resilience, equity, and stability for vulnerable children and their families.
This session will explore evidence-based, cost-effective strategies for integrating health, nutrition, education, and protection services to maximize impact. We will highlight insights from Ahlan Simsim and Play to Learn, two groundbreaking ECD programs operating across the Middle East and South Asia and discuss how outcome-based funding and strategic investment can drive sustainable change.
Speakers:
- (Moderator) Dr. Florencia Lopez Boo, Director, Global Ties for Children, New York University
- Mr. Ciaran Donnelly, Senior Vice President of Crisis, Recovery, and Respond, International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Mrs. Kristonia Lockhart, Lead Women's Empowerment Specialist, Resilience & Climate Action Department, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
- Mr. Amer Hasan, Senior Economist, Early Childhood Development, Education Global Practice, World Bank
Join us as we discuss how early childhood interventions are not only an ethical imperative but also a smart economic investment in crisis-affected settings. The discussion will provide valuable insights for donors, policymakers, humanitarians, and development practitioners seeking to align funding with sustainable, scalable, and locally led solutions.