Lesotho has been handed the baton to host the 2026 Children’s Parliament, a significant event that aims to amplify the voices of children and promote their rights and well-being.

This decision follows the successful hosting of the 2025 National Children’s Parliament Simulation by Botswana, which provided a platform for children to engage with decision-makers and advocate for their rights.

Key highlights of the 2025 children’s parliament simulation included Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights, progress since 2010. To evaluate Lesotho's progress in child-centered budgeting and planning over the past 15 years while the key areas of focus are education, health, child protection and gender equality.

Participants are 50 child parliamentarians, government officials, and development partners, including UNICEF and World Vision. Lesotho's hosting of the 2026 Children's Parliament is expected to build on the momentum generated by previous events, further solidifying the country's commitment to child-led governance and accountability.

The Children's Parliament is an initiative that empowers children to participate in national discourse and advocate for their rights.