Abu Dhabi Launches WED Innovation Lab to Elevate Early Childhood Development Strategies

Development for the WED Innovation Lab is underway in Abu Dhabi, attracting local and international experts to work on improving early childhood development as part of the World Early Childhood Development Movement. Reem Al Hashimy, the Minister of State for International Cooperation, chaired the initiative that aims to address issues affecting children worldwide. There are over 30 experts participating in the five-day event, with topics including Intentional Parenting, Culture and Identity, and Sustainable and Family-friendly Cities.

With the patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Innovation Lab is a key part of Abu Dhabi’s Early Childhood Development Strategy for 2035 under WED Movement. Sheikh Theyab noted the support of the UAE leaders for ECA to accomplish what is laid out in Early Childhood Development 2035 Strategy.

The Director-General of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, Sana Suhail highlighted the need to put early childhood at the center stage in global discussions. The collaborations seeks to enhance the lives of youths, strengthen education systems and generate environments where families and communities thrive.

Participants of the WED Innovation Lab, including Dr. Mary Young and Cecilia Vaca Jones, will change problem-solving, ideation, and prototyping in early childhood development. Local field visits to nurseries, schools, and cultural structures will offer the necessary insights into local problems. The event culminates in final ideation prototype pitches to a distinguished jury, selected outputs for piloting and implementation before the WED Forum in October. The program highlights Abu Dhabi’s support of worldwide cooperation, scientific analysis and innovative approaches to early childhood development.