UNICEF Pacific

UNICEF congratulates the Government of Tuvalu on the launch of the country's first-ever National Early Childhood Development Policy - a landmark commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life 💙

The early years are critical: 90 per cent of a child's brain develops before the age of five, making early childhood a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build the foundations for lifelong learning, health and well-being.

Developed with support from UNICEF and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Policy also recognizes the unique challenges children face in a changing climate. By investing in resilient services, infrastructure and quality care for young children, Tuvalu is taking an important step towards building a more climate-resilient future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Your child isn’t “just playing.” They’re working through feelings they can’t yet put into words.

Play helps children cope with stress, build confidence and feel close to you.

Here’s why even a few minutes together can support their mental health.

How play strengthens your child’s mental health Playful moments are essential for your little one’s emotional well-being

A child playing on the shore. A girl walking past a cemetery claimed by the sea. Children navigating high tides where they once played freely.

Across Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, the climate crisis is reshaping childhoods. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion and more frequent flooding are threatening homes, health and futures.

Children are the least responsible for climate change, yet they are paying the highest price.

A better future is still within reach — but only if we act now.