New scientific discoveries are exposing the lasting effects of stress and deprivation on a growing child’s brain.

“According to UNICEF, nearly 160 million children or one-fourth of all children in the world under the age of five are cognitively and physically stunted due to malnutrition, lack of education, unstable conditions in their countries or domestic violence”, the release said. The singer-songwriter believes investing in early childhood development programs is an urgent matter and not something that can be postponed. The synaptic connections happening during this period form the basis for the child’s future wellbeing and health conditions such as the ability to adapt to change, capacity to learn and to handle diversity, said the press release.

The conference highlighted the four pillars emphasized in early childhood development: “safety and protection, health and nutrition, early childhood education and stimulation and care”.

In addition, these effects on the developing brain can actually alter the expression of genes, potentially affecting the next generation.

The “Can’t Remember to Forget You” crooner, 38, attended a press conference following the Meeting of the Minds: Investing in Early Childhood Development at the United Nations in NYC on Tuesday, September 22.

It referenced research that indicates brain development is the most intense and therefore the most crucial before a child even turns five years old.

The event preludes this week’s adoption of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will officially include early childhood development as part of the transformative agenda for 2015 and beyond.

“Turning this new understanding into action can be life-changing for millions of the most disadvantaged children”, said Lake. The moral argument is strong. “And the power to act is in our hands”.