So what is OMEP?
Organisation Mondiale pour l’Education Prescolaire in French translates to World Organisation for Early Childhood Education. OMEP is an international non–governmental and non-profit organisation with Consultative Status at the United Nations and UNESCO. Founded in 1948, we defend and promote the well-being and education of children from birth to eight.
As an organisation, there is no greater urgency than now to be actively advocating for children’s rights to education and wellbeing.
OMEP aims to defend and promote the rights of children, particularly their right to education and care worldwide. OMEP is represented in 67 countries with member states in every continent. Together we can be a powerful voice.
Find out more about World OMEP. The World OMEP Strategic Plan 2023-25
For further details and to apply for membership of OMEP UK go to our Membership Page.
OMEP 78th World Assembly and Conference in July 14-18, 2026 will be in Poznan, Poland. Follow the link for your invitation to participate.
OMEP World Aims
Political Advocacy– OMEP seeks to influence public policies, their implementation, and decisions regarding allocation of resources within political, economic, social and institutional systems, aimed at protecting the right to education and early childhood care.
Influence on Local and Regional Policies
Education– OMEP promotes work towards the realization of the right to high quality education for boys and girls in their Early Childhood (from birth to 8 years old). OMEP multiple initiatives range from training and honing skills for teachers, professionals and education agents, as well as public officers and lawmakers to the organization of congresses, seminars, courses, awards, and incentives concerning training needs of the several actors in the Early Childhood Education and Care systems in different educational and social contexts.
World and Regional Conferences
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)– Since 2008, OMEP has been developing research and training sessions related to Education for Sustainable Development enriching teaching with new experiences and reflections and broadening perspectives, sharing new practices and knowledge helping teachers strengthen their strategies and improve their teaching experiences.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) award
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Knowledge Generation– OMEP is a scientific and pedagogical advisor specialized in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). OMEP gathers and shares good practices as well as collecting reports and position papers to support constructive discussions that bring us closer to achieving our goal of safeguarding the right to education in early childhood. Furthermore, it provides consultancy services as well as technical, scientific and pedagogical assistance/ help to governments, aiding them in the development of public policies pertaining to early childhood and in the development of Early Childhood Education and Care systems.
OMEP Theory in Practice (TIP) Journal
International Journal of Early Childhood (IJEC)
Blog “Rights from the Start”– Through a Blog featuring world class experts, OMEP seeks to disseminate its message among public officers, politicians, colleagues, educators, families and every person and party interested in early childhood, enhancing their knowledge and commitment.
The name “Rights from the Start” alludes to the joint initiative which started in 2018 together with CLADE (Latin American Campaign for the Right to Education) and EDUCO Foundation and makes reference to the cause on the realization of human rights in Early Childhood.
Children’s Rights– OMEP was part of the drafting committee of the Convention which establishes human rights of all girls and boys to: life, health, education, play, family, protection from violence and discrimination, among others. In their struggle for enforcement, it actively participates along with permanent members in the UN system in which it has special consultative status. (ECOSOC)
Representatives in the United Nations and UNESCO
Communication- OMEP acknowledges the importance of communication as a tool to place important issues on the political agenda. For this reason, we develop communication campaigns and we also join organisations alike in their quest to safeguard children rights. It is necessary that all levels, the political, private, educational, and civil society, understand the importance and peculiarities of Early Childhood Education and Care as a human right.