Regional Forum on Ending Child Marriage in South Asia, 13th April to 20th April 2023, Khatmandu Nepal

Day 1:Regional Forum on Ending Child Marriage in South Asia:

Honored to have been a part of Pakistan's delegation to the Regional Forum on Ending Child Marriage in South Asia, the team also included representatives from Ministry of Human Rights, UN Agencies and Civil Society. The first day of the forum, which took place in

Kathmandu, Nepal, consisted of a session on data & trends in the region and emerging new

forms and manifestations as well as challenges. The session, in which I had the pleasure of speaking, was on the topic of the Regional Action Plan to End Child Marriage. We discussed policy and legislative responses including national legislation, lessons learned and good practices.

Day 2: Regional Forum on Ending Child Marriage in South Asia:

On the second day of the Regional Forum on Ending Child Marriage in South Asia a session

on the agency of adolescent girls was held. We talked upon the initiatives and innovative practices to empower children, especially young girls. The last session was held on action and commitment to identify and prioritize action to accelerate the achievement of targets of the Regional Action Plan to end child marriage.

We also had a moment to present souveniers to Amanda Bissex, Regional Advisor Child Protection, UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia; Upala Devi, Technical Advisor on Gender, UNFPA; and Rinchen Chophel, Director General, SAIEVAC.

Day 3:Regional Forum on Ending Child Marriage in South Asia:

Exchanging souveniers with Pakistan's ambassador to Nepal, H.E Abrar Hashmi. Pakistan's global representation is in good hands with these hard-working & talented individuals!

Thank you to the entire team that worked towards making the Regional Forum on Ending Child Marriage in South Asia a success.

A special appreciation to UNFPA which sponsored the visit