On the sidelines of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Kingdom of Morocco and UNICEF organized a panel at the UN headquarters to promote South-South cooperation in the field of child development. Early childhood development is essential for achieving the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as several of its objectives, particularly those related to the eradication of poverty, hunger and improved nutrition, lifelong learning, achieving gender equality and reducing inequalities in and between countries. «Early childhood development is a common cause and represents a challenge for our societies and the world, and Morocco remains committed to working with partner countries to work together through the exchange of experiences» said Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. For his part, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Mr Omar ABDI said «43% of all children under five in low- and middle-income countries are more at risk of not achieving their lack of nutrition and protection, limited access to quality health services and inadequate stimulation and premature care. «With so many challenges, we must support governments by designing and delivering programs and services that will give their younger citizens the opportunity to grow.» «Today, despite the scientific evidence that it is important to invest in brain development especially during the first 1000 days of life, we are losing the potential of 43% of children in low and middle income countries,» notes Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Representative in Morocco.
