Adrijana Višnjić-Jevtić Begins Three-Year Term as OMEP World President

A new chapter for the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP) has officially begun. On January 1, 2026, Dr. Adrijana Višnjić-Jevtić assumed her role as the new OMEP World President, marking the start of a dedicated three-year term focused on strengthening global advocacy and support for early childhood education.

In her inaugural address, Dr. Višnjić-Jevtić outlined a vision defined by unity, resilience, and a deep commitment to the rights of children worldwide.

"A shared responsibility begins at OMEP.

Still today, in every corner of the world, children’s dreams are denied – by poverty, conflict, injustice, and silence. This is why I have stepped into my role as World President of OMEP. I believe in our collective power to stand for the world’s youngest citizens and to shape a future built on four pillars:

• ECCE as a global priority for sustainability, justice, and peace
• Interdisciplinary collaboration grounded in evidence
• Families as children’s first educators and partners
• Diversity as strength in global advocacy

Leadership is not about titles – it is about listening, across cultures and perspectives. Together, let us ensure that all children are seen not only as the future, but as present-day citizens, full of potential and agency.

I look forward to working with you – across regions, communities, and voices."

A Strong Start: Connecting Globally

Dr. Višnjić-Jevtić wasted no time in translating her vision into action. Throughout January, she spearheaded a series of high-level engagement sessions aimed at revitalizing communication across OMEP’s expansive global network.

By hosting a series of focused Zoom meetings, the new President ensured that every National Committee had the opportunity to voice their perspectives. While logistical realities meant attendance varied, the initiative successfully brought together representatives from 47 OMEP National Committees worldwide across nine distinct meetings.

These sessions served as a vital platform for:

• Strengthening cooperation: Building stronger bridges between national chapters and the world organization.
• Improving coordination: Streamlining workflows to ensure that OMEP’s global goals are actionable at the local level.
• Addressing challenges: Openly discussing the unique needs and hurdles currently faced by committees in different regions, fostering a collective approach to problem-solving.

"These meetings were about more than just coordination; they were about affirming our shared mission," Dr. Višnjić-Jevtić noted. "By listening to the challenges our members face on the ground, we can ensure that OMEP remains a responsive, effective, and powerful advocate for every child, no matter where they live."

Moving Forward

As OMEP enters this new era, the focus remains on transforming these insights into sustainable impact. The enthusiasm generated by these initial meetings signals a strong, united commitment to OMEP’s core mission of promoting the rights and well-being of young children globally.