POLICYMAKERS must prioritise the well-being of children, says the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Addressing some 650 delegates from 50 nations at the welcoming ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur 2026 World Forum on Early Care and Education, Tengku Amir Shah said the voices and future of children must be at the heart of discussions, policies and action.
In his address, he also stressed on the importance of early education in a child’s development.
“Education remains one of our strongest tools for transformation. It must go beyond access.
“It must be meaningful, inclusive and responsive to every child, regardless of their ability, background or circumstance.
“Every classroom should be a place where diversity is celebrated and where no child is left behind.”
He said leaders, policymakers and members of society must remove the barriers hindering educational development.
This includes strengthening child protection systems, supporting families, investing in mental health and ensuring that every child grows in an environment of dignity and respect.
“Let us therefore commit, not just in words but in action, to creating a world where every child can thrive, belong and have opportunities to realise their dreams.”
World Forum Foundation (WFF), an international non-profit organisation based in Nebraska, United States and established in 1998, connects early childhood professionals around the globe.
Members are generally made up of early childhood professionals like kindergarten teachers, special needs practitioners, researchers and childcare services specialists.
In a symbolic gesture to launch the four-day event, a wooden bowl symbolising the foundation’s commitment to young children was given to WFF vice-president and event chair Anne Sivanathan by a member of WFF’s board of directors, David Wright.
Anne said this was the second time Malaysia had played host to the forum, with the first in 2007.
The opening ceremony was followed by a three-day conference at the same location.
It was attended by WFF co-founders Bonnie and Roger Neugebauer and president Patrick Makokoro.
International plenary session speakers touched on topics like the response of childhood leaders to issues such as racism and climate change.
Aside from talks, there were also activities like storytelling sessions, movie night and musical jam, all designed to help with networking.
Anne, in her address expressed her gratitude to the participants.
“It is both a deep honour and a humbling responsibility to stand before you today as the local host chair, representing a nation that believes deeply in the power of childhood to shape a more inclusive, compassionate and sustainable world.
“Your presence here today signifies the importance of investing in our youngest citizens and to strengthening the ecosystems that support them.
“Let this be the space where ideas flourish and partnerships form,” she said.
Among the speakers was Jerry Parr, a member of one of WFF’s working groups called Men In Early Care Education.
Parr said that in the US, less than 4% of the early care workforce are males and more must be done to get men into classrooms.
“Research suggests that having men in early care settings can benefit children in the long-term, including healthier adult relationships, particularly for children who may not have a male figure at home.
“However, not many men see early care as a viable career option,” he said.
Taking on the important role of livening up the event was the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) performance troupe.
Also contributing to the event were the children of the council’s staff who took to the stage to perform a traditional umbrella dance and a fast dance routine.
Doing a solo number was Ryan Mahendran who sang So Am I by Ava Max.
A Temuan musical group from Kuala Langat called Teras Bernam also performed at the event.
Its lead singer, Haing Alin, got the audience singing along to the chorus of a song that he composed.
Called Kami Anak Asal, it was accompanied by traditional bamboo instruments.
