Formation and Orientation for Provincial CFLG Monitoring Committee in Sudurpaschim Province
The National CFLG Forum successfully conducted an orientation program for relevant stakeholders and officially established the Provincial Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG) Monitoring Committee in Dhangadhi. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Social Protection Civil Society Network (SPCSN) and under the coordination of the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMC), Sudurpaschim Province, on April 27, 2025. The specific objectives of the workshop were to formulate a provincial CFLG monitoring committee in Sudurpaschim province and to strengthen the monitoring strategy in Sudurpaschim province
The event chaired by Mr. Basanta Koirala, Secretary at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMCM) of Sudurpaschim Province was facilitated by Mr. Narendra Shah, Branch Officer at the same office which gathered a total of 17 participants including the representative of various provincial ministries, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), child club members, and different media who were advocating for the child rights. During the session, Mr. Reshmiraj Pandey, former Secretary to the Government of Nepal, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the concept and practices of Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG), emphasized the importance of a governance system that prioritizes children’s rights, well-being, and participation at the local level. His presentation covered key strategies, indicators, and monitoring mechanisms for effective implementation. The program marked an important step towards strengthening child-centered governance at the provincial and local levels by fostering collaboration among government bodies, civil society organizations, and the media.
Participants then engaged in discussions about the roles and responsibilities of the newly formed Monitoring Committee and explored ways to effectively promote and integrate child-friendly practices within local governance structures across the province. They actively shared their observations, concerns, and suggestions regarding the current status and future direction of promoting Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG) in Sudurpaschim Province.
Jayanti Giri, Women and Children Officer, Ministry of Social Development: Ms. Giri shared that her ministry had developed a child-focused program two years ago; however, it was not incorporated into the budget, resulting in its non-implementation. She highlighted that Sudurpaschim Province has fallen behind other provinces in implementing CFLG initiatives. Nevertheless, she expressed optimism that, under the leadership of the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, efforts towards a child-friendly governance system would now gather momentum.
Tilottam Poudel, Chairman -SPCSN and JCYCN, and Strategic Advisory to National CFLG Forum, Mr. Poudel pointed out several critical gaps in CFLG implementation across the province. He noted that many local levels have neither appointed Child Welfare Officers nor established Child Funds, and that necessary operational guidelines are lacking. Furthermore, he emphasized the absence of designated Child Advisors in many local bodies. Stressing these challenges, he called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and media stakeholders to jointly advance the CFLG agenda.
Indraraj Pant, Chief, UNICEF Sudurpaschim Field Office, Mr. Pant reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to strengthening CFLG efforts in Sudurpaschim Province. He emphasized that UNICEF, in partnership with other organizations, would work proactively to drive the initiative forward and support government efforts.
Chetraj Bhattarai, Chief, World Vision International Sudurpaschim, Mr. Bhattarai shared that World Vision International is significantly contributing to the promotion of CFLG. Currently, World Vision is implementing programs across 17 local levels in the province. He informed that some ward-level units are nearing the threshold for formal declaration as child-friendly areas. Additionally, he highlighted that child networks and capacity-building initiatives are being effectively strengthened and that World Vision remains committed to collaborating with other stakeholders to further advance CFLG objectives.
Ashish Badu, Member, Nagar Child Network, Dhangadhi, Representing the voice of children, Mr. Badu emphasized that children are the future leaders of the nation. He stressed that ensuring quality services, facilities, and care for children must remain a top priority, with no compromises.
Meen Shahi, Program Coordinator, NEEDS Nepal, Mr. Shahi underscored the need for local governments to take ownership of the CFLG agenda ensuring its success. He shared that NEEDS Nepal, through its Empowered Women Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) program, is supporting and coordinating CFLG activities across 10 local levels in Sudurpaschim Province. However, he expressed concern that many local governments have yet to prioritize CFLG initiatives, which have hindered the achievement of expected outcomes.
Tilak Chaudhary, Program Coordinator, Community Development Centre (CDC), Mr. Chaudhary reported notable progress of the CFLG program in Tikapur and Kailari regions. He highlighted that several wards in these areas are nearing readiness for official Child-Friendly Local Governance declarations, reflecting strong local momentum and commitment.
Bharat Shah, President, Sudurpaschim Federation of Journalists, Mr. Shah raised concerns regarding the implementation gap, pointing out that although numerous policies and regulations have been formulated at the local level, effective enforcement remains weak. He noted that frequent transfers of key employees further disrupt the continuity of policy execution. Nonetheless, he expressed the Federation’s full commitment to supporting the success of the CFLG initiative through active journalism, advocacy, and public engagement.
In closing remarks, Mr. Basanta Koirala, Secretary, Provincial Government and Chairperson of the Program expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all government entities, non-governmental organizations, and development partners for their support and contribution toward making the event successful and meaningful. Then he underlined several important messages, responding to the queries of the participants and formally concluded the event with a collective commitment to move the CFLG agenda forward.
Outcomes of the event
CFLG Monitoring Committee was officially formed in Sudurpaschim Province.
The event provided the platform for stakeholder dialogue and strategic planning.
The discussions fostered localized solutions and cross-sector collaborations for child-friendly governance.
Conclusion:
Overall, the “Formation and Orientation for Provincial CFLG Monitoring Committee in Sudurpaschim Province” was meaningful and successful event. It brought together a diverse range of stakeholders -including different government bodies, Civil Society Organizations, Child Club Members, and different Development Partners united in their commitment to strenthening CFLG.
