The webinar “Privatisation of Early Childhood Care and Education: What Is at Stake? Reflections from a Right to Education Perspective”, to be held on 1 July 2026, will mark the launch of two new publications produced by the PEHRC ECCE Working Group: an international review of current trends in ECCE privatisation and a case study on Argentina.

This initiative is the result of a long-standing collaboration between OMEP and PEHRC, developed during Mercedes' term as OMEP World President, as well as through our joint work with the Right to Education Initiative (RTE). Together, we have contributed to research, international normative processes and advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening the right to early childhood care and education from a human rights perspective.

Mercedes Mayol Lassalle co-authored this study together with Carolina Semmoloni, OMEP’s Youth Representative to UNESCO, and Rajakumari Michaelsami from the Right to Education Initiative. The publication examines global trends in ECCE privatisation and their implications for equity, quality, inclusion and State responsibility in guaranteeing the right to education.

The event will provide an opportunity to discuss the growing role of private actors in ECCE and its implications for the right to education and care. It will bring together civil society organisations, researchers, trade unions, advocates and practitioners to reflect on the future of ECCE as a public good and a human right.