Celebrating World Children’s Day 2025: A Unique Cricket Initiative in Nepal
On November 20, 2025, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the Embassy of Australia, held a remarkable event at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur to commemorate World Children’s Day. This celebration not only emphasized the importance of child rights and gender equality but also showcased the potential of sports to break barriers and inspire social change.
Understanding World Children’s Day
World Children’s Day is observed globally every year on November 20, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This day serves as UNICEF’s annual call to action, empowering children to advocate for their rights and urging governments and communities to uphold their commitments. The focus is on ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, play, be protected, and actively participate in decisions affecting their lives.
The “Leveling the Playing Field” Initiative
This year, UNICEF Nepal celebrated the occasion through an initiative known as “Leveling the Playing Field.” This partnership aims to promote equal opportunities for both girls and boys in Nepal through cricket—a sport with immense popularity and influence in the country. The goal is to ensure that adolescent girls remain in school, have access to essential services, and are able to fully engage in their communities.
Amplifying Children’s Voices
The event served as a powerful platform for children to express their thoughts and highlight the challenges many still endure, such as child marriage, early pregnancy, and limited access to education. A press release from UNICEF noted the significance of addressing these issues and amplifying the voices of young individuals who wish to see change.
Manushka Rana Magar, a 13-year-old girl from Shree Gamvir Samudra Setu Secondary School, succinctly conveyed the collective desire of her peers: “All we ask is a fair chance. Let girls learn, let girls choose, and let girls lead. When you invest in us today, we can build a better tomorrow for everyone.”
A Day of Fun and Engagement
More than 300 children participated in the event, which featured a friendly cricket match where young players competed alongside members of Nepal’s national women’s cricket team. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose as children engaged in sporting activities while learning about their rights.
Honorable Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr. Bablu Gupta, attended as the chief guest and expressed gratitude to the partners involved, including CAN and the Australian ambassador. His remarks highlighted the importance of empowering youth through sports, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the event.
The State of Adolescent Girls in Nepal
Nepal is home to over three million adolescent girls, who represent the future leaders and change-makers of the nation. However, statistics reveal a stark reality: one in three girls is married before the age of 18, and over 15% of those eligible for upper secondary school have either dropped out or never enrolled. These figures underline the urgent need for initiatives aimed at empowering girls and ensuring their rights are upheld.
Leann Johnston, the Australian Ambassador to Nepal, expressed her support, stating, “Australia is proud to partner with UNICEF to support adolescent girls in Nepal—empowering them to stay in school, access health services, and delay marriage and childbirth.” Her commitment reflects a broader understanding that investing in girls’ education and health translates into benefits for entire communities.
Cricket as a Tool for Social Change
Chatur Bahadur Chand, President of CAN, reinforced the notion that cricket transcends being just a sport. He noted that cricket builds confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills—qualities essential for developing strong young citizens. The association aims to bring cricket closer to communities through support for school programs and local tournaments, making the sport accessible to future generations.
Acknowledging Partnerships and Efforts
UNICEF Representative to Nepal, Alice Akunga, took the opportunity to thank various stakeholders, including the Government of Nepal, CAN, and the Embassy of Australia. Her message was clear: collaboration is crucial for advancing children’s rights and ensuring an inclusive and equitable environment for every child. She encouraged children attending the event to continue dreaming, playing, and advocating for their futures.
Empowering the Next Generation
To further engage children and youth in the dialogue around their rights, UNICEF launched a U-Report poll simultaneously. This initiative invites young people to share their views and suggestions, enabling them to shape solutions relevant to their lives. Available on platforms like Viber, WhatsApp, and Messenger, this poll is part of UNICEF’s broader commitment to empowering youth voices.
The observance of World Children’s Day 2025 in Nepal stands as a testament to the power of partnership, community involvement, and the critical role of sports in fostering social change. Through initiatives like “Leveling the Playing Field,” the vision for a brighter and more equitable future for children in Nepal continues to take shape, driven by the dreams and voices of the nation’s youth.