Apia, Samoa – Representatives from Vanuatu played a prominent role at the 2025 Pacific Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum, held from 13–15 May in Apia, Samoa. The forum, held under the theme “Our Children, Our Heritage: Blue Pacific Resilience through ECD Leadership”, brought together delegates from 15 Pacific Island Countries, including New Zealand, along with regional development partners and stakeholders committed to advancing early childhood development.

The PRC4ECD Forum served as a key platform for countries to discuss and review national ECD policy frameworks for children aged 0 to 5, exchange successful practices, highlight ongoing challenges, and strengthen collaboration in line with regional ECD strategies.

Vanuatu’s delegation made strong contributions throughout the forum. Crimson Bani, Acting CEO of the Malvatumauri, participated as a panelist in the session on “Cultural Approaches to Supporting Parents and Caregivers.” He presented Vanuatu’s community-driven model, emphasizing the unique integration of the ECD Unit within the Ministry of Justice, Youth, and Community Services (MOJYCS). This strategic placement ensures stronger community and chiefly ownership of ECD policies, reinforcing a bottom-up approach to development. He also highlighted the central role of the Malvatumauri (National Council of Chiefs) in facilitating community development and ECD engagement. Bani further explained the collaborative parenting support programs developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), including the simplification of parenting booklets to suit local community contexts. He concluded by outlining a second component of Vanuatu’s ECD strategy, which involves strengthening community-based initiatives that help meet the costs of child care and promote local responsibility in child development.

Albert Nalpini, National Human Rights Coordinator, presented Vanuatu’s national ECD report and contributed to a panel discussion on the intersection of climate change and early childhood development. He spoke about the challenges faced by the country, including the increasing frequency of cyclones and other natural disasters, and their direct impact on children’s wellbeing and development. He also addressed child protection measures and Vanuatu’s involvement with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in advocating for climate justice on behalf of vulnerable populations. On the final day of the forum, Mr. Nalpini represented the Vanuatu Government during the Ministerial Round Table, reinforcing the country’s active engagement in regional policy dialogue.

Also representing Vanuatu, Tristelle Karae, Child Desk Coordinator, delivered a presentation outlining Vanuatu’s next priorities in the ECD sector following the PRC4ECD Forum. Her presentation underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening early childhood development initiatives and ensuring long-term, community-anchored progress.

"Ms. Nanise Lapi provided valuable support to the Head of Delegation, ensuring a smooth transition during the PRC4ECD Steering Committee meetings and the Ministers Roundtable. Mr. Eloi Bouletare, the ECD Coordinator, served as the principal advisor to the government delegation and was responsible for coordinating Vanuatu’s participation."

The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from Pacific nations to place early childhood development at the center of resilient and sustainable development for the Blue Pacific.