"This was a major, vibrant gathering of professionals."
Alan Cohen, Israel
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
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