Greater Jakarta, Indonesia, 23 June 2026 – The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat officially organized the Sustainable Trade & Economic Development Summit under the theme “Sustainable Growth, Shared Prosperity” as the Policy Summit of the 5th Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026, held from 22–25 June 2026 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD City, Greater Jakarta.
The summit served as a strategic platform that brought together policymakers, academics, higher education leaders, industry representatives, and international stakeholders to explore how sustainability principles can drive economic competitiveness, attract investment, and support long-term development across the region and beyond.
Representing the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Early Childhood Care Education and Parenting (SEAMEO CECCEP), Director Prof. Vina Adriany, Ph.D., accompanied by Widodo Suhartoyo, Deputy Director for Programme (DDP), and Suhnendri, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Administration (DDA), participated in the summit to strengthen regional collaboration on the critical links between education, human capital development, and sustainable economic growth.
One of the key sessions of the summit was the panel discussion entitled “Investing in People and Productivity: Education as a Driver of Economic Development,” held on 23 June 2026. The session gathered education leaders and policymakers from Southeast Asia to discuss how investments in education can contribute to workforce development, productivity enhancement, and inclusive economic growth.
During the panel discussion, Prof. Vina Adriany emphasized that education at all levels—including higher education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET)—plays a vital role in economic development. However, she underscored that early childhood education (ECE) represents one of the most strategic long-term investments in human capital development.
Drawing on evidence from the field of economics of education, Prof. Vina highlighted that investments in early childhood education generate substantial returns by improving learning outcomes, enhancing future productivity, and reducing social inequalities. She stressed that investing in young children is not merely an expenditure but a forward-looking investment that strengthens the quality of human resources and contributes to a more prosperous future.
“Investing in early childhood education means investing in the foundations of lifelong learning, productivity, and well-being. The benefits extend far beyond the classroom and continue throughout a person’s life,” she noted.
Prof. Vina further explained that early childhood education should not be viewed solely through an economic lens or as a social development instrument. Quality ECE also produces significant social benefits by promoting social mobility, reducing poverty and inequality, and expanding opportunities for future employment and improved living standards. In this regard, early childhood education contributes not only to individual development but also to the creation of more equitable, inclusive, and cohesive societies.
She also highlighted that the impact of early childhood education extends across generations. Investments made during the earliest years of life help reduce intergenerational inequalities, strengthen social cohesion, and build a stronger foundation for sustainable development. These outcomes are particularly important as countries seek to balance economic growth with social inclusion and long-term resilience.
Beyond the economic rationale, Prof. Vina emphasized that investing in early childhood education is fundamentally a matter of children’s rights and global responsibility. Nearly all countries have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which obliges governments to uphold the best interests of every child, particularly those from vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Therefore, expanding equitable access to quality early childhood education should be understood not only as a strategy for economic advancement but also as a commitment to ensuring that every child receives the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive from the earliest stages of life.
“Early childhood education stands at the intersection of economic development, social justice, and human rights. It is not only an investment in future prosperity but also a moral responsibility and a legal commitment to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential,” Prof. Vina concluded.
Through its participation in GSDC 2026, SEAMEO CECCEP reaffirmed its commitment to advancing evidence-based policies and regional cooperation that place children at the center of sustainable development agendas. The Centre continues to advocate for greater investment in early childhood care and education as a foundation for building resilient societies, inclusive economies, and a more sustainable future for Southeast Asia and beyond.
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