Early Child Development: Enabling Evidence-based Practice and Policy

An international Symposium titled "Early Child Development: Evidence-based Practice and Policy' was held on August 7-8, 2006 at the Aga Khan University Auditorium. The purpose of this symposium was to create a forum for discussion to inform future practice and policy to support ECD, particularly in developing countries and to exchange examples of effective practices in ECD programme, to strengthen the evidence base for investment in ECD programmes and to create a network of ECD services to support the effectiveness of programmes.

The Guest and the participants at the AKU-HDP ECD Symposium 2006

Dr. Fraser Mustard, a Founding trustee of Aga Khan University and founding president of the Canadian Institute for Advanced research, in his key note address "A Key Determinant of the Quality and Prosperity of a Society" presented the breadth of human development and the evidence from various perspectives that showed the crucial importance of early child development for individuals and society.

Dr. Fraser Mustard, a Founding trustee of Aga Khan University and founding president of the Canadian Institute for Advanced research presenting the key note address on "A Key Determinant of the Quality and Prosperity of a Society" at the ECD Symposium 2006.

Dr. Camer Vellani the Acting Director of Human Development Programme (AKU-HDP) in his welcome address welcomed over 150 participants from the region, and beyond, including Canada, Bangladesh and Africa at the Early Childhood Symposium (ECD) 2006.

Dr. Camer Vellani the Acting Director of the Human Development Programme (AKU-HDP) speaking at the ECD Symposium 2006.

Dr. Jim Irvine , former Director AKU-HDP, stressed that when early child development programmes address health, nutrition, stimulation and interaction in an integrated manner, there can immediate benefits for children and their families that will continue through schooling into adult life. Dr. Irvine also urged the group to form viable partnerships, use realistic programming and strive to reduce inequalities of access for disadvantage children.

Dr. Jim Irvine former Director AKU-HDP addressing at the ECD Symposium 2006.