Abu Dhabi, Friday, 23 October 2026
\nThe Khalifa International Award for Early Learning, based in the United Arab Emirates, participated as a featured exhibitor at ISSA Conference 2026, organised by the International Step by Step Association (ISSA). The conference took place in Lisbon, Portugal, on 22\u201323 October, preceded by pre-conference activities on 21 October.
\nThe participation formed part of the Award\u2019s efforts to strengthen its international presence, raise awareness of its mission and objectives in promoting excellence and innovation in early learning, and exchange expertise with institutions and specialists in early childhood development from around the world.
\nHumaid Al-Houti, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education, emphasised the importance of this international participation, which reflects the prominent standing of the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning. The Award operates under the umbrella of the Khalifa Award for Education, one of the institutions of Erth Zayed Philanthropies.
\nHe noted that the conference provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with international institutions and experts specialising in early childhood development, exchange expertise and leading practices, and highlight outstanding research, practices and innovative programmes that contribute to improving the quality of early learning and creating a positive, sustainable impact on children and communities worldwide.
\nAl-Houti explained that the International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is one of the world\u2019s leading professional networks dedicated to early childhood development. Established in 1999 and headquartered in the Netherlands, the Association brings together 93 member organisations from 39 countries, primarily across Europe and Central Asia.
\nHe added that participating experts discussed a range of issues aimed at developing innovative solutions to the challenges facing individuals and communities in caring for and empowering young children. Discussions also focused on strengthening integrated early childhood systems through greater collaboration across education, health, social protection and family support sectors, helping to create healthy and safe environments that promote children\u2019s development and well-being.
\nAl-Houti said: \u201cWe are proud of this significant international participation. The Award\u2019s exhibition stand serves as a global platform to introduce its mission and objectives and highlight its two main categories: Best Research and Studies, and Best Programs, Curricula, Teaching Methodologies and Practices. This strengthens the Award\u2019s international presence and encourages researchers and specialised institutions to participate in its upcoming cycles.\u201d
\nThe Secretary-General further noted that the Award\u2019s delegation held a series of meetings with leaders of participating institutions and experts specialising in early childhood development. The meetings explored opportunities for collaboration and the exchange of expertise and leading practices, with the aim of advancing the Award\u2019s mission, expanding its international impact, and supporting innovative initiatives, research and programmes that contribute to developing early learning and improving its quality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Abu Dhabi, Friday, 23 October 2026 The Khalifa International Award for Early Learning, based in the United Arab Emirates, participated as a featured exhibitor at ISSA Conference 2026, organised by the International Step by Step Association (ISSA). The conference took place in Lisbon, Portugal, on 22\u201323 October, preceded by pre-conference activities on 21 October. The …<\/p>\n