Educators and Students in Nepal Highlight the Value of Family

Kathmandu, Nepal – UPF-Nepal celebrated the UN International Day of Families on May 27, 2025 at Miniland English Secondary School in Kathmandu. This year’s theme, “Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development” focused on the role of families in building peaceful, inclusive and sustainable societies. It brought together students, educators and community leaders in a shared space of learning and reflection.

The program opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Prakash Babu Thapa, director of UPF-South Asia, who highlighted the global significance of the International Day of Families. He reminded everyone in his introductory remarks that honoring families is really honoring the core of human civilization. Following the national anthem, Mr. Mani Ram Wagle, principal of Miniland School, welcomed the guests and emphasized the synergy between educational institutions and families in shaping the values of future generations.

This was followed by a string of moving addresses. Mr. Binod Dangi, director of family welfare at FFWPU-Nepal, said, "A strong family builds a strong child, and a strong child builds a peaceful world," expressing the crucial role families play in human development and peacebuilding. Mr. Rupsingh Bhandari, director of education and training at FFWPU-Nepal, gave a presentation showing how family-centered policies guarantee that "no child is left behind," and support sustainable development. Mr. Subash Neupane, a community leader, offered personal and sincere remarks, urging pupils to value their parents and cultivate thankfulness on a daily basis.

The vice president of UPF-Asia Pacific, Mr. Santosh Kumar Paudel, stressed in his speech the moral and emotional importance of family life. He emphasized the need for meaningful relationships to keep families united, and reminded the audience that "the love of a family is life's greatest blessing."

A particularly touching part of the program featured student reflections. Aayan KC shared how his family makes him feel safe and motivated, Dipika Tamang expressed her gratitude for the values of kindness and patience learned at home, and Manita movingly recalled the care she received from her family during illness, calling them her “angels.”

The event concluded with closing remarks by Hon. Milan Rajbanshi, member of the Constituent Assembly, who congratulated the school for organizing such a meaningful celebration. She highlighted that the foundation for national progress lies in the strength of families and the values imparted to children from a very young age.

Core messages of peaceful homes leading to strong individuals; families being our first support systems; and mutual respect within families, were conveyed throughout the event. Informal discussions among students and teachers after the formal program also enriched the celebration, as participants shared personal stories and reflections about their families.

As a global peacebuilding organization with consultative status at the United Nations, UPF remains committed to promoting family values as the cornerstone of a peaceful and sustainable world.

The celebration in Kathmandu beautifully demonstrated this mission by inspiring students to cherish their families more deeply. The program ended with group photos, joyful smiles, and a simple yet powerful promise from students to go home and say, “I love you” to their families.

By Santosh Paudel, Vice President, UPF-Asia Pacific May 27, 2025