KATHMANDU, Nov 23: The Faculty of Education at Purbanchal University is set to organize a two-day international conference on child development for the first time in Nepal.
The conference is scheduled to be held on December 6 and 7 at Big Hotel in Biratnagar with the participation of scholars, policymakers, researchers, and students from over 15 countries, including the USA, the UK, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, according to Prof. Anil Pokharel, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Purbanchal University.
Speaking at a press conference in Biratnagar today, the Purbanchal University Dean stated that the objective of this international conference is to foster academic discussions and debates on child development. He said, “New topics have emerged in early childhood education. Our perspectives on the right of children to education and the responsibilities of the state, teachers, and parents have also evolved.” He added, “In this context, this conference will be crucial for addressing issues related to children promptly.”
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The university's Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Biju Thapaliya, stated that the papers and workshops presented at the conference will play a significant role in establishing the “Special Centre for the Study of ECD,” a research and study center under the Faculty of Education. He remarked, “This conference focused on children is an important beginning for us. It will contribute to ensuring justice, equity, and rights for children.”
The university believes that this conference will aid in identifying new and market-driven undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the field of child development and in adding such programs accordingly.
The conference will feature presentations by over 40 participants on topics, such as, child-focused policies; care for children with special needs; the workforce required in the field of child development; professional development and ethics; the impact of climate change on children; and innovations in early childhood development. Additionally, workshops and exhibitions on child-focused subjects are planned as part of the event.
The conference will feature keynote addresses from prominent speakers, including Professor Karen Graham from the UK; Ilsa Chahin, Lorraine Wehbright, and Kristin Hagen from the USA; Chirashree Ghosh from India; Meenakshi Dahal from Nepal, and Lee Jane Yoon and Ani Siwanathan from Malaysia. They will discuss topics such as child development and early education.
The conference is being organized with support from various organizations, including the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Nabil Bank, Plan International, and Save the Children. The event is scheduled to be inaugurated on December 6 by Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Karki.
