Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s Early Childhood Authority (ECA) is set to host the WED Innovation Lab, which will take place on January 22 and last until January 26, 2024.
It is the second time the Authority has organized the event after the successful launch of WED at COP28, which effectively incorporated children’s early learning years into the global climate conversation.
The WED is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the ECA.
The Innovation Lab, chaired by Ms. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, will welcome over 30 regional and international experts from diverse sectors who will be working together to pave the way for innovative outcomes to ensure a world-class, child-friendly ecosystem, not only for the children of Abu Dhabi but also for those in the UAE and beyond.
The initiative is established to galvanize cross-sector multidisciplinary action and aims to create a platform that discusses early childhood development issues, strengthens international stakeholder relationships, and influences policy while informing the public.
Ms. Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director-General of ECA, said that, “The Innovation Lab is a transformative concept that ECA is organizing to gather experts for a week of immersive activities and events leading to the WED Forum, which will examine the developmental and social challenges across the three core interrelated themes of Intentional Parenting, Culture and Identity, and Sustainable and Family-friendly Cities.”
“We are delighted to be welcoming to the lab a number of high-profile advisers from global philanthropic organisations, government, NGOs, stakeholders and the private sector, who will work through challenges related to the WED themes and examine strategies to ensure that ECA resonates and aligns with Emirati culture and upholds global awareness throughout the ideation and prototyping process. Our goal is to position the UAE as the catalyst for sustainable and positive change in early childhood development through advocacy, investment, and innovation.” Ms. Sana added.
The five-day event will be hosted at Abu Dhabi’s iconic Yas Acres Golf and Country Club. Participants will have the opportunity to kick-start activities that will lead to presenting final ideation prototype pitches to a high-profile jury. The jury, led by WED Chair Ms. Reem Al Hashimy, will prioritize the most viable outputs for piloting and implementation.
Part of the planned Innovation Lab activities involves visits to local schools and play areas. The aim is to encourage WED experts to actively observe and meaningfully engage with children and their caregivers during these visits. This approach provides the experts with a clear understanding of the early childhood development (ECD) ecosystem, enabling them to develop innovative ideas that ensure a child-friendly environment at all levels.