Early Childhood Development Programs, Peacebuilding, and the Sustainable Development Goals: Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Research and Multisectoral Partnerships

Abstract

This chapter makes a case for investing in early childhood development (ECD) programs and services as a key mechanism to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and contributing to peacebuilding efforts in the global context. The links among early childhood development, sustainable development and peacebuilding are discussed from macroeconomic, biodevelopmental and social perspectives. We use the Global Peace Index (formulated by the Institute of Economics and Peace to measure progress towards peace across countries) to illustrate links between ECD program outcomes and peacebuilding-relevant indicators. Drawing from this analysis, we frame a theory of change that includes overarching inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes of the ‘peacebuilding through ECD’ agenda. The chapter outlines research gaps and priorities to bolster the evidence-base of peacebuilding through ECD in multiple contexts. We put forth a call to action for interdisciplinary research and multi-sectoral partnerships to effectively leverage peacebuilding through ECD as a strategy for sustainable development.