World Forum History

The World Forum was first visualized by Bonnie and Roger Neugebauer and Carmel and Rodney Kenner at a 1998 meeting in Sydney, Australia. To test the waters for the concept, Child Care Information Exchange (a magazine, now titled Exchange - the Early Childhood Leaders' Magazine, published by Bonnie and Roger), organized the first World Forum on Early Care and Education held in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1999.

"You people have just hit a mark in cultivating commitments for the work of early care and education. Your enthusiasm and sincerity inspire us. I will cherish the memories of you people making us feel important. You were all supportive and inspiring with a clear expression of sincere service." Bessie Rios, Philippines

The success of this first toe-in-the-water venture led to following World Forums in Singapore and Athens. In 2002, it was decided that the concept had legs. The venture was incorporated as a 501-c-3 non profit tax exempt corporation in the USA and has continued to sponsor gatherings of early childhood professionals around the globe. Over 4,000 early childhood professionals from 95 countries have participated in the following events:

European Early Learning Study Tour 2007
  United Kingdom and Finland

Orphanage Study Tour 2007
  Budapest, Hungary

2007 World Forum on Early Care and Education
  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Working Forum on Nature Education: New Tools for   Connecting the World's Children with Nature 2006
  Nebraska City, Nebraska, USA

Working Forum for Multi-Site Organizations 2006
  Amsterdam, Netherlands

International Working Group on Peace Building with   Young Children 2006
  Manizales, Colombia

"The World Forum has gone beyond my expectations concerning perfect organization, the interesting and highly relevant topics, and the warm and friendly atmosphere. How could you bring together such a number of really, really great people? I've attended several international conferences; the chemistry of the World Forum is special." Ali Shaar, Palestine

2005 World Forum on Early Care and Education
  Montreal, Canada

Working Forum 2004 : Belfast, Northern Ireland

2003 World Forum on Early Care and Education
  Acapulco, Mexico

2002 World Forum on Early Care and Education
  Auckland, New Zealand

2001 World Forum on Early Care and Education
  Athens, Greece

2000 World Forum on Early Care and Education
  Singapore

1999 World Forum on Early Care and Education
  Honolulu, Hawaii, USA