A draft declaration with 4 key principles on Child Friendly Governance was the outcome of the 3rd International Child Friendly Cities (27-29 June) at the Hotel Park Village, in Kathmandu.

Titled “Child Rights Approach to Governance, Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability for Children in the Asia Pacific” – the meeting concluded with an understanding that all participant countries call upon governments, private sector and civil society in implementing ,a child friendly city recognizes the importance of local governance, a child friendly city demands meaningful participation of children and youth, a child friendly city recognizes and engages in continuous monitoring and evaluation of its progress and a child friendly city encourages integrated planning for sustainable development.

The participating countries have 15 days to coordinate with their governments and to formalize the declaration. Organized by the Ministry of Federal Affairs & Local Development (MoFALD), UNICEF, and Child Friendly Asia Pacific Network, the three-day conference brought together international scholars, researchers, development workers, policy makers, local body representatives, council officials, children and agencies working for children from 19 countries.

According to a press released  by UNICEF, The local organizers were Nepal School of Social Work and ENGAGE, and they were supported by South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC) and Child Workers in Nepal (CWIN); and the NGO Alliance for Children.

The three-day conference and workshops offered lively debates, discussion forums, and experiences from far afield as Toronto and Sydney; including theatre and songs by children’s clubs and children associated with the many participating agencies working together for children.

The Chief Guest for the opening ceremony was Vidhyadhar Mallik, Minster for Federal Affairs & Local Development; and Ridhababa Pradhan, Minister for Women, Children & Social Welfare presided over the closing ceremony.

This year, participants came from the following 19 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Netherland, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Spain and Thailand.

The 1st International CFC conference was held in Tokyo, Japan in 2009 and the 2nd International CFC conference was held in Solo Surakarta, Indonesia in 2011.

The National Strategy on Child Friendly Local Governance (CFLG) in Nepal is led by the Ministry of Federal Affairs & Local Development (MoFALD) with technical support from UNICEF, Royal Norwegian Embassy and other partners; and was endorsed by the Government of Nepal in 2011.