Kuala Lumpur Presenter Toolkit

This section includes important information for World Forum presenters and moderators, including planning your session, materials and travel.

About World Forum Foundation

•Our mission is to promote an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings.

•Our core values: Children, Change, Relationships, Spirit, Differences

•This will be our 27th year changing the world for children and families.

About Your Session

•All sessions at the 2026 World Forum on Early Care and Education will happen live and no recording will take place.

•You will share a 90-minute session with your panel members. Plan to divide presentation time evenly among presenters. If you submitted a proposal with more than one presenter, you will share your presentation time with them. Consider reserving approximately 20-30 minutes for a whole group discussion or questions with all delegates who are attending your session.

•Please wait to finalize your presentation until after the planning call with your group. A World Forum Team Member will be on the call with you to help answer your questions.

•You will talk with your co-presenters about your session format, room arrangement, timing, and making your session memorable during the planning process.

•Your session room will have a laptop, LCD projector, screen and sound system (subject to change).

Presentation Tips

•Being your authentic self is the most important presentation guideline. Share your story, your personality, what you care deeply about.  Manage your time thoughtfully to give everyone a chance to contribute and to allow plenty of time for discussion.

•Language: The primary language of the World Forum is English. However, we invite you to integrate other language experiences into your presentation. Brainstorm how you might do this during your Zoom call

•Use the long breaks, no-host dinners and World Forum social media pages to follow up after your session.

PowerPoint and Other Digital Files

•Digital Files: If you choose to create a PowerPoint, use it as a tool to facilitate understanding for an audience speaking multiple languages. The most effective PowerPoint presentations use minimal text and memorable visuals. Avoid complicated text and dense charts.

•The deadline for submitting digital files/PowerPoints for your presentation is March 27, 2026.

Schedule

•All presenters and moderators should arrive comfortably in time for the Program Participants Welcome and Orientation on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 4:00-5:30 PM on-site in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

•We will notify you by March 27, 2026 to let you know the day and time of your session. A detailed schedule will be released (subject to change). All program participants are expected to attend the entire World Forum that concludes Friday, April 17, 2026 around 4:00 PM.

•Visit Schedule to see the timeline of events.

Visa and Travel Plans

•Do not delay checking on and applying for visas. The process can take several weeks or even a few months, and often requires you to either visit a consulate or send in your passport. 

•If you plan to stay longer in Kuala Lumpur or travel beyond Kuala Lumpur, your visa requirements may be different – plan ahead!

•Visit Passport/Visa to learn more about requirements.

Hotel

•You need to book your hotel reservation separate from your World Forum event registration. Book your hotel stay HERE by no later than March 13, 2026. World Forum is contracted to a specific number of rooms at our conference hotel. It is important that all delegates book through our website and stay at the World Forum conference hotel in order to support World Forum sustainability. 

Gender

Understanding Security threats and risks related to sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity:

Gender-Based Violence: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals in Malaysia face significant challenges. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and same-sex relationships are not recognized under the law. Additionally, the adoption of children by same-sex couples is prohibited. LGBTI individuals are not widely accepted by society and are often seen as violating the values and beliefs of the majority of Malaysians. LGBTI rights are further restricted under Section 377A of the Penal Code, Sections 25 and 26 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment, and Section 28 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act. There have been isolated reports of assaults against individuals in this group.

Advisory to mitigate risks for women and LGBTI personnel:

• LGBTI persons should be mindful of conservative local attitudes and be aware that public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Public acts such as handholding or kissing between same-sex couples are generally not seen in Malaysia.
• If you are transgender or gender nonconforming, cross-dressing should be approached with caution due to the potential implications and consequences.
• If you are harassed because of your orientation or gender, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible. Avoid escalating the situation by confronting the harasser. If you are being followed, seek refuge in a busy establishment or head to the nearest police station.
• Any activities that draw attention to your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression should be carefully considered, as they may lead to unwanted attention or consequences under local laws.
• Be cautious with new acquaintances—criminals may target or attempt to extort LGBTI foreigners.
• Respect local laws and cultural conventions, even if you do not agree with them. It is important to comply with the legal and social norms of the country.
• Avoid traveling alone after business hours, particularly at night or in poorly lit areas. Stay vigilant in backstreets or areas with limited lighting.
• If someone approaches you or inappropriately touches you, try to remove yourself from the situation. If this is not possible, call out for help.
• If you are the victim of a gender-based crime, report the incident to the local authorities and UNDSS within 24 hours.

Know your sexual boundaries and remember that you have the right to say “No” under any circumstances. Communicate your limits firmly and clearly. The absence of a “no” does not imply consent.

DSS Country Security Briefings and Country Security Risk Management include specific LGBTI-related security risk mitigations. For more information, contact UNDSS to obtain a copy of the Aide Memoire, Malaysia: Immediate Response to Gender-Based Security Incidents.

*What Presenters Can Say*

Presenters can speak openly about topics such as:

• Race and racial inequalities

• Discrimination

• Social and educational inequities

• Children’s rights

• Inclusion and marginalised communities, including LGBTQI

• Personal experiences, stories, and professional insights

As long as these discussions are:

Respectful

Non-judgmental

Focused on learning, inclusion, and understanding

Not targeting any individual or group with blame or negative language

Centered on improving children’s lives, systems, and practices

*What Presenters Should Avoid*

Presenters should not:

✘ Make political statements attacking specific governments, leaders, or policies

✘ Promote activism that could put participants or hosts at risk

✘ Identify or label individuals or groups in a harmful or unsafe way

✘ Share content that violates local cultural boundaries or could compromise safety

*Simple Guideline*

You can talk about sensitive issues — race, discrimination, inequalities, diversity, LGBTQI inclusion — as long as the tone is educational, respectful, and focused on children, community well-being, and professional learning.

The goal is to encourage reflection and understanding, not confrontation.