| In April 1996, the World Bank organized a global conference on Early Child Development: Investing in the Future in Atlanta, Georgia. Representatives of governments, non-governmental organizations, foundations, academia, multilateral and bilateral agencies gathered to affirm the importance of promoting a deeper commitment worldwide to children's rights and to meeting children's developmental needs.
At the conclusion of the conference the following list of necessities - which are endorsed by UNICEF, WHO, and numerous NGOs - was defined as basic to children's growth. These principles recognize the importance and synergistic effect of healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
Efforts to support children's healthy development depend on:
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a healthy mother who receives herself adequate food, antenatal care and attention to her needs during pregnancy
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a safe delivery, with proper obstetric care and back-up
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immediate and exclusive breast-feeding, for intensive mother-child interaction, bonding, and the timely introduction of regular feeding
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timely and appropriate preventive and basic health care
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proper nutrition and micronutrients
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caring interaction with family and other adults, including age-appropriate play, protection from accidents and environmental dangers, including access to safe water and sanitation facilities
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preschool and peer interaction, with adequate adult care and supervision, in an environment conducive to learning and to nurturing effective peer relationships
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timely enrollment and attendance in an appropriate primary school leading to attainment of age-appropriate skills
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access to basic preventive and curative health and nutrition measures throughout childhood.
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