As part of the activities for marking the International Peace Day around the world, the international conference entitled “What are Young Children Telling Us” was held in Belgrade on 20 and 21 September. The conference participants had the opportunity to hear eminent experts in the field of early childhood development and preschool education, leading European anti-discrimination experts, representatives of UNICEF and the ministries of education from the countries of the region, as well as representatives of international networks and non-governmental organisations involved in building peace, developing respect for diversity since early childhood and fighting discrimination and violence among and against children around the world.

The conference was organised by the non-governmental organisation Pomoć deci, as part of the programme Partnership for Reconciliation through Early Childhood Education and Development in Europe (PRECEDE). The aim of this programme is the application of best practices for raising young children and finding effective ways for their education as future citizens of a democratic society. According to Professor Paul Connolly, one of the guest lecturers, a large number of studies in the field of early childhood development in the United States since 1920 have indicated that children in the second year of life are already able to recognise differences in the skin colour. Moreover, from the third year onwards, these differences can become a source of negative attitudes or prejudices.

In this regard, early childhood is highlighted as the most important period for the formation of social competences and healthy personality, while the education that takes this into account is crucial for eliminating prejudice, developing respect for diversity for peaceful life in multiethnic and multicultural communities, respect for human rights, inclusion and development of active citizens of a democratic world.