The Global Leaders for Young Children program at the World Forum Foundation seeks to identify and develop the next generation of early childhood leaders throughout the world. This program serves as a model of expanding capacity at the country and regional levels, while building a cohesive community of international leadership to impact policy and practice worldwide.
Purpose
The World Forum Foundation believes that children need effective grassroots advocates. Accordingly, the Global Leader project mission statement asserts:
“Global Leaders for Young Children is a World Forum Foundation project with the goal of improving life chances for young children by developing early childhood leaders who can become effective change agents and advocates for quality early childhood development in their home countries and regions.”
Launching the Next Generation of Early Childhood Leaders in the World
The World Forum Foundation believes that children need effective grassroots advocates. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 250 emerging leaders from 72 countries have participated in the Global Leaders training/mentoring program. Global Leaders are selected from a range of backgrounds, including early childhood associations, government, academia, and NGOs. Many graduates currently play major roles in shaping the early childhood policies and practices in their countries and regions.
Questions? Contact Sarah Breen.
Are you interested in becoming a Global Leader? Click here to add your contact information to be alerted when applications open for the next Cohort.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
- Influencing which countries are targeted in the 2026-2027 Global Leader cohort.
- Being recognized as a Global Leader sponsor on the World Forum website and at World Forum events.
- Having the opportunity to participate as an observer at Global Leader face-to-face meetings and view Global Leader webinars.
- Receiving regular Global Leader program updates, news, and information on progress of advocacy projects.
Contact Sarah Breen, [email protected] if you are interested in sponsoring the next cohort.
2024-2025 Global Leader Sponsors:
Bainum Foundation
Children in Crossfire
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
Global Cohorts
Each cohort is a selected group of professionals who engage in an 18 month program, including face-to-face meetings at the World Forum and smaller regional gatherings. Global Leaders develop and implement action-oriented projects in their own communities with the objective of raising awareness on key issues and promoting quality early childhood services. A carefully designed curriculum helps participants develop leadership capacity and effective advocacy skills, and gain a deeper understanding of early childhood research and practice.