Dear EECERA conference delegates,
I’m eagerly counting down the days until the end of August, when our inspiring EECERA research community will come together once again in person, this time in Bratislava, Slovakia, for our 33rd Annual Conference. This year’s theme, Early Education for All: Celebrating Diversity and Seeking Inclusion, will shape our conversations and collaborations. Last year’s conference in Brighton, UK, was an unforgettable experience, and I’m once again looking forward to the creative, curious, and spirited exchanges we’ll share.
This year’s gathering promises to be another large and vibrant event, welcoming several hundred colleagues from around the world. I’m excited about the opportunity to (re)connect with fellow EECERA members – both familiar faces and new ones – as our international network continues to grow.
In a world facing relentless global and local challenges – ranging from the lasting effects of the COVID pandemic and its socio-economic repercussions, to climate change, large-scale population displacements, and, tragically, ongoing conflicts in Europe and beyond – our time together feels increasingly valuable. In these times it is more important than ever to state that EECERA unequivocally promotes and defends the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The scale and speed of these crises make the need for action on behalf of children more pressing than ever for us as early childhood researchers.
Addressing them calls for generosity, solidarity, collective action, meaningful partnerships, and, above all, open and honest critical dialogue. We believe that critical thinking, rigorous dialogue, and collaborative research – across all boundaries – are essential if we are to meet these global challenges and work toward a more peaceful world.
On behalf of EECERA, I want to extend our solidarity and support to all our colleagues – scholars, educators, and students – who are affected by conflict and endure the daily realities of such tragedies. We recognize the deep impact these events have on young children’s lives, and this shared understanding unites us. In accordance with national and international academic guidance, our top priority is to ensure that the conference is a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
We are committed to doing everything within our power to prevent hate crimes, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of intolerance. We also stand ready to support any colleagues in addressing such incidents should they arise. Upholding our strong commitment to freedom of speech – even in these extremely challenging times – EECERA seeks to foster respectful and lawful dialogue on difficult and sensitive topics.
At the same time, we must firmly state that any form of discrimination or intimidation directed at EECERA delegates is entirely unacceptable. We encourage anyone experiencing antisemitism, Islamophobia, harassment, or any form of discrimination during the conference to report it to the EECERA Board of Trustees or the Conference organisers and seek support without hesitation.
This letter is a signal of the concrete steps we are taking at conference to prevent intolerance and promote good relations between different groups. We are working hard to develop a culture where relationships between diverse groups and individuals enhance the learning experience, protect freedom of speech and academic freedoms, tackle harassment, and contribute to an inclusive society. The following five key principles, based on guidance produced by the Commission for Racial Equality in the UK (CRE, 2005), provide a useful framework for understanding and creating good relations in academic gatherings:
- Equality, acting swiftly to challenge discrimination, harassment and bullying in all its manifestations.
- Respect, framing the right to self-expression and free speech within the context of respect for others; encouraging dialogue about the issues that connect and divide individuals and communities, discussing prejudice; challenging preconceptions and assumptions.
- Security, creating a safe environment for all delegates, free from intimidation, harassment and fear; tackling hate crime; challenging views that promote violence or otherwise deny human rights.
- Unity, providing opportunities to learn about difference and identify common ground; promoting the benefits of developing knowledge and skills that improve personal and communal relationships.
- Cooperation, taking a proactive approach to conflict resolution that is fair, consistent and transparent.
As we come together in Bratislava, we trust that our community of international scholars will embody these five principles, demonstrating our shared commitment to fostering positive, constructive, and respectful dialogue. I firmly believe that we can – and must – make a heartfelt and collective effort to warmly welcome all EECERA colleagues who have bravely travelled from conflict-affected or vulnerable communities, often facing considerable personal challenges. Together, we can ensure that their experience at the conference is one of safety, support, and genuine inclusion.
I’m truly looking forward to reconnecting with you all in late August, and I hope the conference offers each of us a meaningful, enriching, and inspiring experience.
Warmest
Chris
Professor Chris Pascal, EECERA President
On behalf of the EECERA Board of Trustees