UNICEF, CAN and Australian Embassy Mark World Children’s Day with Cricket Event

KATHMANDU, 20 November 2025 — In an energetic celebration of World Children’s Day, UNICEF, together with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the Embassy of Australia, hosted a special cricket event today at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The initiative underscored the importance of child rights, gender equality, and sport as a force for social change.

Held in honor of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which World Children’s Day commemorates every year, the gathering brought together more than 300 children who took part in a friendly match — playing alongside Nepal’s national women’s cricket team.

Under the theme “Leveling the Playing Field,” the initiative seeks to use cricket’s reach to promote equal opportunities for boys and girls in Nepal. The partners aim to ensure that adolescent girls stay in school, access essential services, and participate fully in their communities.

“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,” said 13-year-old Manushka Rana Magar, a Grade 7 student at Shree Gamvir Samudra Setu Secondary School.

In his remarks, Hon. Bablu Gupta, Minister for Youth and Sports, thanked UNICEF, CAN, and the Australian Embassy for empowering Nepal’s youth. “We are clearly seeing your love towards our country, the way you are engaging youth and empowering them,” he said.

Her Excellency Leann Johnston, Australian Ambassador to Nepal, reaffirmed Australia’s commitment: “By investing in their education, skills and confidence, we are investing in Nepal’s future. When girls are empowered, communities grow stronger, families thrive and societies move forward together.”

CAN President Mr. Chatur Bahadur Chand emphasized that cricket is more than just a sport — it builds confidence, leadership, discipline, and teamwork, essential attributes for young citizens. He highlighted CAN’s efforts to expand youth engagement and support school-level cricket across Nepal.

Ms. Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal, expressed gratitude to all partners and urged the children present to continue dreaming, playing, and speaking out. “The future belongs to you — and together, we can truly level the playing field.”

As part of the celebration, UNICEF also launched a new U-Report poll, inviting children and young people to voice their opinions on safety, education, child marriage, and other issues. The poll is accessible via Viber, WhatsApp, and Messenger, empowering youth to contribute directly to building an inclusive future.