Investment in children is investment in nation’s happy future: PM Shah

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah has said that investing in children is, in essence, an investment in the nation’s happy future.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of National Children’s Day 2026 today, Prime Minister Shah extended his heartfelt wishes for happiness, prosperity, good health, success, a child-friendly environment and a bright future to all Nepali children living in the country and abroad.

“I sincerely respect all parents, teachers, people’s representatives, civil servants, civil society, development partners, the media and all stakeholders who are continuously working to respect, protect and promote children’s rights,” he said in his message.

This year, National Children’s Day is being observed under the national slogan, “Protecting Childhood: Securing the Future.” Prime Minister Shah said the slogan underscores the fundamental truth that a prosperous future for the nation can be built only by ensuring that children are safe and their rights are upheld today.

Nepal, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989, has demonstrated its international commitment to the principles of non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to life, survival and development, and the right to express one’s views.

The Prime Minister said these values are firmly guaranteed as fundamental and legal rights under Article 39 of the Constitution of Nepal, which deals with the rights of children, as well as the National Child Policy, 2023, and the Act Relating to Children, 2018.

“Our main priority now is to ensure that every child truly experiences these constitutional and legal rights in their daily lives. This requires effective coordination, cooperation and accountability among the federal, provincial and local levels,” Prime Minister Shah said.

The Prime Minister’s message also states that the federal government should strengthen national policies and legal and institutional frameworks; provincial governments should coordinate and expand services; and local governments, as the level of government closest to children, should identify risks, provide protection and services, and create a child-friendly environment.

He said efforts at all three levels should be aligned toward achieving the same goal of ensuring the safety, rights and well-being of every child.