Introduction

Promoting and protecting children’s rights, combating child poverty and social exclusion and providing all children with equal opportunities irrespective of their social, cultural, ethnic or other backgrounds are fundamental objectives of the European Union. The World Organisation for Early Childhood Education has advocated, defended and promoted the well-being and education of children from birth to age eight for the past 70 years. It was founded soon after the Second World War, when concern about the effect of the displacement of communities on young children was at its height. Organisation Mondiale pour l’Education Prescolaire believes that the well-being of children and families is essential to sustainability in an increasingly challenging and globalised world and works across the world to promote the well-being of young children through engagement with children, teachers, parents and the wider society. This European Union-funded project took place over a three-year period, from 2015–2018.