Advancing Early Childhood Development: Showcasing the Work of the ECDAN Knowledge Fellows
Wed, Apr 09
|Virtual
This learning event marks the culmination of work done by ECDAN's 2024 cohort of Knowledge Fellows.
Time & Location
Apr 09, 2025, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM GMT
Virtual
About the Event
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: EDT 08:30-10:00 | GMT 12:30-14:00 | EAT 15:30-17:00 | IST 18:00-19:30 | CST 20:30-22:00
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Language: English (No interpretation)
About the Webinar
This learning event marks the culmination of work done by ECDAN's 2024 cohort of Knowledge Fellows. These eight early-career professionals have worked hard and dived deep into complex topics. Please join us for a special presentation of the knowledge projects the Fellows have developed.Their projects include:
A report detailing elements of climate services, showcasing examples of organizations in this field, and providing recommendations for integrating a focus on young children into their work.
An analysis of climate action plans of the ten most populated countries for their consideration of young children.
An analysis of climate action plans of the 12 most populated cities for their consideration of young children.
A review of seven Indian states most vulnerable to climate change to evaluate if their plans include considerations for young children, along with recommendations.
An examination of how young children are impacted by climate mobility with recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
An analysis of the impact of informal work on parenting practices, including effective strategies for reaching parents within this sector.
An exploration of childcare systems in Mongolia and opportunities for impact investing.
A review of early childhood programs that integrate nutrition and psychosocial stimulation to determine common elements and success factors.
Launched in 2021, the Knowledge Fellows program is based on the belief that supporting early-career ECD professionals to develop their skills, knowledge, and professional connections will not only help them increase their interest in continuing in the ECD field but also enrich conversations in the global ECD sector by elevating their perspectives and voices.
Register for the Webinar Today!
Presenters
The webinar will feature a presentation by each 2024 Knowledge Fellow and allow time for questions and answers afterwards:
Bashiru Turay (Sierra Leone) is a technical partner and consultant expert with over five years of experience in climate change adaptation, disaster management, and youth/childhood development. Holding a degree from Njala University and a joint master's degree from the Universities of Bonn and the United Nations University in Germany, he focuses on research and partnerships to improve the well-being of children in vulnerable settings.
Dulguun Batmunkh (Mongolia) is the Global Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning Coordinator at OneSky. She facilitates impact evaluations of early childhood development projects in Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Mongolia. She holds a master's degree in international policy from Stanford University.
Hernán Marisquirena (Uruguay) is the Programs Associate at Education Outcomes Fund. He holds a master's degree in international development from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and a bachelor's degree in international relations from Uruguay.
Liezel Engelbrecht (South Africa) is a registered dietitian with a master's degree in public health from Stellenbosch University. She works at the DG Murray Trust in South Africa, driving initiatives to improve maternal and infant nutrition, reduce stunting, and support early childhood development.
Omkar Balel (India) is the Program Lead at the Centre for Aquatic Livelihood in India. He enhances coastal community livelihoods, focusing on water policy, climate, and carbon interventions. He holds a master's degree in water policy and bachelor's degree in technology. As an IUCN Youth Delegate and 2023 UNESCO Changemaker, he aims to include children's voices in climate solutions.
Rosa Taylor (United States) is a Grants Officer at the Hewlett Foundation, bringing extensive experience in international development, particularly in education. She holds degrees from Columbia University and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Ruoyu Li (China) has worked with UNICEF Cambodia, UNICEF Innocenti, and Save the Children China. She specializes in ECD and climate change intersections. She holds a master's degree in international social and public policy and a bachelor's degree in sociology.
Suhany Zaimah (Bangladesh) is the Early Childhood Education Program Manager at the Institute of Child & Human Development in Bangladesh. She develops curricula for parenting and early childhood programs, leveraging experience working with parents in crisis settings. Holding an master's degree in ECD, she's committed to fostering supportive environments for children.
The discussion will be moderated by Shekufeh Zonji, Global Technical Lead, ECDAN.