The Solomon Islands government is promising to invest more resources in early childhood development over the next 40 years.
Prime Minister Rick Hou said huge gaps in healthcare, education and protection systems were holding children back.
The UN children's agency Unicef said more investment is needed in the early years of a child's life, which are crucial for development.
Mr Hou said the government was introducing one year of pre-primary education, passing welfare legislation and providing better training for health workers.