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Global Insights for Early Childhood Education
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, imagine and grow through quality educational resources. At Educational Business Services (EBS), our commitment to early childhood education goes beyond providing books and learning materials. It means continually seeking new ideas, embracing innovation and learning from global leaders so that we can better support children, parents and educators in Lesotho.
With this commitment in mind, EBS proudly attended the 35th International Publishers Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 5–8 July 2026. Hosted by the Malaysian Book Publishers Association (MABOPA) in partnership with the International Publishing Association (IPA), the congress welcomed approximately 500 delegates from more than 40 countries under the theme “Publishing Intelligence, Sustaining Forward.”
The Future of Early Childhood Education
The International Publishers Congress is much more than a gathering of publishers. It is a global platform where experts come together to discuss the future of books, literacy and education. Over four days, delegates explored the challenges and opportunities shaping the publishing industry and, more importantly, how quality educational content continues to play a vital role in early childhood education and lifelong learning.
One of the strongest messages throughout the congress was that publishers have a responsibility to prepare today’s children for tomorrow’s world while preserving the timeless value of reading. As education continues to evolve, publishers, educators and families all have a role to play in ensuring that every child has access to engaging, relevant and high-quality learning materials.
Artificial Intelligence: Supporting, Not Replacing, Creativity
One of the most significant conversations centred on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speakers agreed that AI is no longer a technology of the future—it is already transforming the way publishers work. From improving efficiency to supporting content development, AI offers exciting opportunities when used responsibly.
However, delegates also emphasised that technology should enhance, not replace, human creativity. Original storytelling, thoughtful editing, engaging illustrations and respect for intellectual property remain the foundation of meaningful educational publishing. For parents and educators, this is reassuring: while technology will continue to shape learning, the human connection behind every great children’s book remains irreplaceable.
Why Books Still Matter in Early Childhood Education
Another key takeaway was that printed books and digital resources should not be viewed as competitors. Instead, they complement one another by giving children multiple ways to learn and discover new ideas.
Digital resources improve accessibility and flexibility, while printed books continue to offer focused, hands-on learning experiences that encourage concentration, imagination and meaningful family reading time. Together, they strengthen early childhood education by meeting the diverse needs of today’s learners and helping children develop a lifelong love of reading.
The congress also highlighted the importance of creating books that reflect the cultures, languages and lived experiences of the communities they serve. Publishers were encouraged to invest in high-quality content and compelling illustrations that inspire young readers while collaborating across countries to broaden access to diverse stories. These conversations reaffirm the importance of producing learning materials that children can relate to, understand and enjoy.
Lesotho Recognised on the Global Stage
One particularly inspiring moment came during a keynote presentation on the power of partnerships in education. During the presentation, Lesotho was recognised as an example of successful public-private collaboration, demonstrating how publishers, educators and education stakeholders can work together to strengthen literacy initiatives and improve access to quality learning materials.
This international recognition highlights the positive impact that collaboration can have in expanding opportunities for children and building stronger education systems. It also serves as an encouraging reminder that meaningful partnerships in Lesotho are making a difference and are being recognised beyond our borders.
What This Means for Educational Business Services
For Educational Business Services, attending the congress was about more than representing Lesotho on a global stage. It was an opportunity to listen, learn and bring valuable knowledge home. Every presentation, discussion and new connection reinforced our belief that investing in quality books and educational resources remains one of the most effective ways to support children’s development during their formative years.
The ideas and relationships developed during the congress will help shape the way we continue to serve parents, educators and learners by providing educational resources that are relevant, engaging and designed for lasting impact.
As the world of publishing continues to evolve, one message stood out above all else: quality books continue to shape curious minds, build confident readers and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Whether in print or digital form, educational resources remain essential tools for nurturing creativity, critical thinking and a love of reading.
The insights gained from the International Publishers Congress will continue to guide Educational Business Services as we develop resources that inspire learning and support early childhood education across Lesotho. Together with parents, educators and our partners, we remain committed to helping every child discover the joy of reading and the confidence to learn, grow and succeed.