Fiji is one of seven Pacific Island nations spending more than the international benchmark of 1% of Gross Domestic Product on early childhood development (ECD). This was highlighted by Jonathan Veitch, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative for Pacific Island Countries, during a recent panel discussion focusing on investment during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
UNICEF conducted an ECD expenditure analysis across seven Pacific Island Countries, including Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Kiribati. The findings revealed that ECD spending in these countries surpassed the internationally recommended threshold, with most funding originating from domestic sources and combined donor support constituting a smaller portion.
Despite this expenditure, Veitch noted that the levels of investment have not resulted in significantly improved child outcomes, particularly in areas such as nutrition and educational achievements. He suggested that the high cost of doing business in the Pacific may mean that the 1% GDP benchmark does not adequately represent the region’s actual needs, and additional funding might be necessary.
Veitch also pointed out that current spending might lack efficiency, particularly due to poor sector coordination. He emphasized that a more synchronized cross-sectoral approach could greatly enhance the effectiveness of these investments.