About the ISSA Conference

Conference Co-Hosts

ISSA

The International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is a leading network driving systemic change in early childhood across more than 40 countries. For over 25 years, ISSA has championed integration, equity, and quality in early childhood systems by fostering collaboration across sectors, strengthening the early childhood workforce, and amplifying innovative practices. Through its diverse membership, ISSA connects policymakers, practitioners, and communities to create coherent systems that support every child’s holistic development and wellbeing. 

Learning for Well-Being Institute

The Learning for Well-being Institute produces high-quality research to advance holistic child development and well-being. Grounded in the Learning for Well-being (L4WB) Framework—which recognises development as a system shaped by mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions—it equips policymakers, practitioners, and communities with evidence to guide effective and ethical action. Through rigorous methods, strategic partnerships, and advocacy, the Institute strengthens policies and practices that help children realise their unique potential. 

Conference Partners

Aga Khan Foundation

Aga Khan Foundation Portugal (AKF Portugal), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), has worked in the country since 1983 to promote social cohesion and strengthen inclusive communities. As one of the few institutions in Portugal addressing development across the life course, it works through long-term, participatory approaches in areas such as early childhood development, education, civil society, seniors, climate resilience, and work and enterprise. Recognized nationally in Early Childhood Development (ECD), AKF Portugal strengthens the professional development of early years educators and promotes high-quality pedagogical practices, while fostering collaboration among public institutions, civil society and local communities, contributing to its overarching mission of building a future where we all thrive together.

APEI: The Association of Early Childhood Education Professionals 

APEI, the Association of Early Childhood Education Professionals, is a leading national organization in Portugal dedicated to promoting high-quality early childhood education for children aged 0 to 10. Representing more than 5,000 members, including educators, students, and institutions, APEI brings together about one third of the country’s ECE sector. Focused on professional development, innovation, and knowledge sharing, APEI offers training, organizes seminars, publishes professional journals, and provides consultancy to local authorities. It serves as an essential reference and forum for dialogue, supporting educators as they navigate pedagogical, ethical, and policy challenges.

OECD Wise Centre

OECD WISE Centre generates new data and policy approaches to improve people's well-being and reduce inequalities, mapping how human well-being is impacted by ecological, digital and demographic transitions. A key priority for WISE is ensuring every child has an equal start in life. Through the OECD Child Well-Being Data Portal, we monitor children’s well-being and explore how societies can better support children facing disadvantage. WISE also works closely with OECD countries to create tools and strategies that strengthen policy and service integration, promote place-based approaches, and address emerging challenges, including those brought by the rapidly evolving digital environment. 

Act for Early Years

Act For Early Years is a global campaign ensuring all girls and boys access quality early childhood development, care and preschool education—vital for school readiness and lifelong well-being. We believe early investment is one of the most powerful ways to break cycles of poverty and inequality. The campaign has three goals: (1) mobilize at least $1 billion in new funding through the first International Financing Summit on Early Years, taking place in early 2027; (2) increase political prioritization of the early years across national, regional and global agendas such as the G20; and (3) secure a strong place for early years in the global development agenda and new SDGs. Led by organizations worldwide, the campaign unites frontline workers, experts, youth advocates, business leaders, civil society groups and individuals committed to ending the global early years crisis.

The Conference serves as an official Pre-Summit Regional Early Years Finance Dialogue in the lead-up to the first-ever Early Years Finance Summit in 2027. It provides an opportunity to engage and orient partners, policymakers and political leaders around the objectives of the 2027 Summit, while highlighting global and regional best practices in costed early years plans, investment cases, inclusive financing models and effective delivery strategies.