There is no better investment than investing in children, especially in their earliest years.
Ahead of the World Summit “Investing in Children’s Wellbeing: A Path to Sustainable and Equitable Development for Future Generations”, held in Samarkand on 21–22 October, World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia Naji Benhassine shared his view on the long-term significance of investing in children’s development.
He noted that ensuring proper nutrition, a supportive environment, hygiene and developmental conditions in the earliest periods of childhood — starting even during pregnancy — shapes a child’s entire life.
He also highlighted the increase in preschool education coverage in Uzbekistan from 30 to 75 percent as a significant achievement, and stressed the importance of cooperation with the National Agency for Social Protection in improving the system of services for families and children.