In a landmark achievement, Samoa has officially endorsed its comprehensive Early Childhood Development (E.C.D.) Framework, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s commitment to the health, education, and well-being of its youngest citizens. 

The framework, endorsed on Wednesday by Cabinet is designed to guide a unified national approach to early childhood development, laying the foundation for a brighter future for every child in the country.

At the heart of this initiative is a multi-sectoral approach, which integrates the efforts of key government ministries, civil society organisations (CSOs), and communities to create a cohesive strategy for the development of young children.

 The framework establishes a National E.C.D. Advisory Board tasked with overseeing the ongoing implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the framework’s objectives.

The Advisory Board will bring together representatives from several crucial ministries, including the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D.), the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. 

Their combined expertise will ensure a holistic approach that harmonises health, education, and social services to support the well-being of children from birth to eight years old.

The government has expressed deep gratitude to UNICEF Pacific for its continuous support and valuable contributions throughout the development of the framework. The Ministry also acknowledged the tireless work of government ministries, CSOs, and local communities who played a vital role in the extensive consultation process.

Minister for M.W.C.S.D. Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio'o, emphasised the significance of the framework. "This framework represents our collective commitment to place children at the centre of our national development," she said. 

"By focusing on their early years, we are investing in a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, contributing to a stronger and more prosperous Samoa."

As Samoa prepares to host the Early Childhood Development Forum in mid-May 2025, the country is positioning itself as a regional leader in the promotion of early childhood initiatives. 

The forum, which will be the first of its kind outside Fiji, will provide an invaluable platform for Pacific nations to exchange best practices, share innovative strategies, and discuss lessons learned in early childhood development.

The event marks an important milestone for Samoa, signalling its growing influence and leadership in this critical area. As the country steps into this regional role, it will also take several key steps to ensure the successful rollout of the ECD framework:

• Finalising the National ECD Advisory Board: The composition and operational guidelines of the Advisory Board will soon be completed, ensuring effective governance and oversight.
• Detailed Implementation Plans: Ministries involved in the ECD Framework will work together to develop specific implementation plans, ensuring a seamless and efficient approach.
• Engagement with Stakeholders: Further consultations with communities, CSOs, and other stakeholders will ensure the framework’s inclusivity and broad-based support.
• Preparation for the ECD Forum: Samoa is already preparing for the ECD Forum, which will provide a collaborative space for the exchange of innovative practices and ideas across the Pacific region.

Roshni Basu, UNICEF Pacific Deputy Representative, praised Samoa’s leadership in advancing early childhood development. "We commend the Government of Samoa for its visionary leadership in early childhood development," she said. "This framework is a critical step in securing a brighter future for Samoa’s children, and UNICEF is honored to be part of this journey."

The ECD Framework represents more than just a policy—it’s a transformative path forward for Samoa.