A Global First: The International Finance Summit for Early Childhood and the Business Opportunity Ahead
Thursday, April 30, 2026
GBC-Education invites you to join a webinar to explore how businesses can play a leadership role in strengthening early childhood systems and supporting working families.
In this session you will:
- Learn about the global Act For Early Years campaign and why businesses are increasingly engaging in this agenda
- Explore how companies and national business coalitions can advocate for stronger childcare and early childhood policies
- Discover opportunities for business engagement in the lead-up to the first-ever International Finance Summit for Early Childhood in 2027
The summit will bring together governments, business leaders, philanthropies and development partners to mobilise new investments and commitments for the early years.
This webinar will highlight how businesses can contribute to this global effort — and how engaging now can help strengthen your workforce, support employees and shape the future of early childhood investment.
Register
About the event
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00am EDT
Virtual (link will be shared with registered participants)
Early years and the opportunity for business
Nearly 350 million children lack access to the quality early childhood care, education, and support that science shows is vital for cognitive, emotional, and social development. The repercussions for the business community are enormous, causing workforce disruptions, limiting talent pipelines and stunting innovation. Childcare disruptions alone cause billions in lost revenue annually.
Access to quality childcare and early childhood services is critical for attracting and retaining talent. Strong early childhood systems help employees balance work and family life, increase workforce participation, and support productivity.
The impact of supporting early childhood is far-reaching. Investing in a child’s earliest years builds the foundations for the future workforce, markets, and societies. Research shows that high-quality early childhood development builds the cognitive, social and emotional skills that form the foundation of a strong future workforce.
Join us to learn how Act for Early Years is making the case for investment in the early years and learn about the opportunity for your business.