BELGRADE, 25 June 2024 – At UNICEF’s Regional Conference on Early Childhood Development and Parenting, leaders from over 20 countries in Europe and Central Asia called for more support for parents of young children. The conference, held in Belgrade, Serbia, was organized by the Ministry of Health of Serbia, UNICEF Serbia, and UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office.
The conference responds to the global acknowledgment that parents play a crucial role in their children’s development, but many parents lack the necessary support. Surveys show that about 70% of parents in 15 countries across Europe and Central Asia need parenting support, but half do not have access to adequate services and care.
“Policies and programs that reach all parents, and a safety net for the most marginalized families, are among the best investments societies can make,” said Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. “When parents are supported, children have a better chance of learning effectively, developing resilience, and living happy, healthy lives.”
Over 300 experts, policymakers, and professionals in early childhood development and parenting attended the conference. They highlighted the importance of integrated support systems for families with young children.
The second day of the conference will feature successful programs from across the region. These programs provide parents with practical tools and guidance to improve their caregiving skills and well-being. Notable initiatives include the home visiting model and UNICEF’s Bebbo parenting app, which reaches over 1 million parents.
Minister of Health Zlatibor Loncar highlighted Serbia’s achievements in improving services for parents of young children. “Our primary health care system excels in preventive measures, ensuring children’s health, nutrition, safety, and developmental support,” he said. “Through home visiting nurses, pediatric services, and developmental counseling centers, we effectively detect and address health risks, developmental delays, and unsafe living conditions.”
Serbia’s First Lady Tamara Vucic emphasized the interconnected roles of parents and society. “The entire social community depends on the proper actions of parents, and vice versa,” she said. “For this reason, we eagerly await the opening of the Centre for Early Child Development and Inclusion in Belgrade. This center will prioritize the well-being of the youngest members of our society.”
Comprehensive and high-quality support systems for parents help them feel confident and capable of supporting their children’s development. This support includes strengthening multisectoral services, a skilled workforce, an enabling environment, family-friendly policies, and access to quality, affordable childcare.
UNICEF works with governments to increase investment in comprehensive solutions to support effective parenting and child development across Europe and Central Asia.
