Australia signs Children First Declaration with early learning among priorities

Australia has signed the Children First Declaration, which identifies quality early childhood education as a priority for improving children’s wellbeing.

Over 50 nations have shown their support to the declaration, launched at the Paris Peace Forum’s Child Summit on 10 November 2026. The declaration aims to put children’s rights and their wellbeing at the centre of government policies, investment and services.

There is a collective goal to improve children’s wellbeing by halving major gaps in five key areas of health, nutrition, education, protection and psychosocial wellbeing in the digital world by the year 2045.

“We’re making a powerful choice for our future by investing in children,  it’s both the right thing to do and the smart thing to do,” said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF.

Early childhood investment recognised as a priority

This declaration highlights the importance of the first 1000 days of life and building strong foundations in the first 5 years. It identifies quality early childhood education, family support and sensitive care within the home as being key to improving children’s development and learning.

It also aims to ensure all children have equitable access including children with disabilities. 

For early childhood educators in Australia it means the importance of early education and family support are being recognised. This declaration allows countries to set their own priorities and how they will measure improvement. 

AI research pledge puts children’s development in focus

Digital environments are identified as a key focus area. Technology can provide increased opportunities for learning but can also pose many risks to children.

In addition to the declaration, summit organisers announced a collective pledge of approximately $13 million (AUD) from AI developers and safety organisations to research how AI affects child development.  This will help build evidence around the issue to ensure safer designs.

The summit has also launched the Child Priority Framework which includes indicators and examples of good practice. An Action Hub for Children has also been launched to link public and private organisations.

View the Children First Declaration, list of signatories and Paris Peace Forum announcement here.