Childhood is the first chapter of human development and the most fundamental investment any society makes in building its future. What we sow for a child in the world today will bear fruit tomorrow in our character, our intellect, our social capital, and our national destiny.
Celebrating childhood is not merely a calendar event; it is a metric for measuring justice, a benchmark for evaluating social responsibility, and a sign of a nation’s moral and cultural maturity. The slogan for this year’s National Children’s Week, “Children’s smiles are the alphabet of the homeland,” reminds us of a profound and fundamental truth. A homeland, before being defined by geographical borders and historical landmarks, is realized in the safety of its homes, in the equal opportunities for the growth of its children, and in the peace it bestows upon them. A child’s smile is not just a sign of joy; it is a testament to the security, trust, belonging, and hope that society has managed to keep alive within them.
From this perspective, no policy regarding children can be assessed independently of the quality of life of families, the capacity of neighborhoods, equitable access to services, and the extent of societal support for vulnerable children. The future we envision for Iran begins today, with how we treat the most vulnerable children of this land.
At the State Welfare Organization of Iran, we believe that every child—regardless of the circumstances of their birth, family situation, place of residence, or economic and social status—possesses dignity, the right to grow, the opportunity to flourish, and deserves effective support. No child should be deprived of the chance to experience a safe, high-quality, and hopeful life due to poverty, disability, lack of effective guardians, unfavorable family conditions, or geographical deprivation.
Based on this, our approach to supporting children goes beyond intervention after the occurrence of harm; it is grounded in prevention, timely identification, empowering families, strengthening neighborhood-based support networks, and fostering a safe, sustainable, and respectful environment for child development.
The family is the first and most important context for a child’s growth, provided it possesses the capacity and safe conditions. Wherever keeping a child within the family is not possible due to serious risks, specialized support and alternative care must be provided with the highest standards of children’s rights and with the priority of their best interests.
We believe that success in supporting children is not the product of a single agency’s performance. The government, public institutions, education and health systems, related organizations, charities, the media, families, and all citizens share a responsibility in building a child-friendly society. This responsibility only yields results when support for the child moves from slogans to the heart of decision-making, resource allocation, national planning, and our daily behavior.
National Children’s Week is an opportunity to reflect on this fundamental question: Do we see the world through the eyes of a child in our decisions and policies? Is the child’s voice heard? Do families in need of support receive effective services before their caregiving capacity collapses? Do children exposed to neglect, violence, or deprivation have the same opportunity to live, learn, play, and hope as other children?
Answering these questions requires continuous commitment and a resolve that transcends a single week or event—a resolve to make the support of children a sustainable priority in the social and cultural governance of the country.
While commemorating National Children’s Week, I would like to express my gratitude to all the dedicated staff of the State Welfare Organization, experts and activists in the field of childhood, responsible families, non-governmental organizations, philanthropists, and all those who, with knowledge, commitment, and compassion, step forward on the path of supporting children. I emphasize the necessity of national synergy to protect the rights of children and improve their quality of life.
Let us believe that the future of Iran, before being built tomorrow, is shaped in the experience of children today—in the security they feel, the respect they receive, the opportunities they see for flourishing, and the hope they find in life.
Safeguarding this smile is not a favor born of pity; it is the fulfillment of the right of childhood and the execution of a national and human responsibility.
Hoping for a day when no child in this land sacrifices their dreams to deprivation, and no family is left without the support and companionship of society in the path of raising their children.
“Children’s smiles are the alphabet of the homeland; let us write the mirror of Iran with this alphabet.”
Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini
Deputy Minister and Head of the State Welfare Organization of Iran
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