LEBANON - Lebanon’s First Lady Nehmat Aoun has called for greater investment in children’s health, education, and psychological support, highlighting how war has affected Lebanese children at the World Summit on Investing in Children’s Wellbeing in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
“Investing in children’s wellbeing is an investment in the health of society,” Aoun said, stressing that healthy children can learn, grow and eventually contribute to rebuilding their communities, particularly in times of crisis and war.
In her address, Aoun highlighted the challenges facing children in Lebanon, including rising rates of childhood cancer and the humanitarian and psychological consequences of the latest war.
War’s Toll on Lebanese Children
According to figures cited by Aoun, the conflict has killed more than 250 children and injured over 1,000 since March 2026. She also said more than 40% of children had experienced psychological harm, while 436 schools had been damaged or destroyed.
Aoun stressed the need to provide medical and psychological care, rehabilitate injured children, and safeguard their rights to education and protection.
She also emphasized that recovery from war does not end when fighting stops, pointing to the longer-term support children need to recover from physical injuries, trauma and disruptions to their education.
Global Focus on Child Wellbeing
The summit, held on October 21–22, brings together representatives from more than 100 countries to discuss children's health, education, social protection and safety. It is being held alongside the Second International Congress on Childhood Cancer.
The event is convened by Uzbekistan in cooperation with international partners, including UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the World Bank and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children.
The summit is intended to strengthen international cooperation and translate commitments to children's wellbeing into practical action, including improved access to healthcare, education and protection.
