KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s address to the 81st session of United Nations General Assembly and Nepal’s active participation in the programmes in course of this event have enhanced Nepal’s image and reputation on the international stage.
Prime Minister Shah returned home today after attending the 81st session of the UNGA in New York, USA.
While briefing the media at Tribhuvan International Airport about the PM’s participation in the UNGA, Officiating Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, said that Nepal’s active participation in the General Assembly has enhanced the nation’s reputation on the international stage.
PM Shah had left here for New York on September 22, leading a Nepali delegation to participate in the High-level Week of the UN General Assembly.
The high-level week is being held at the United Nations headquarters in New York from September 22 to 28.
Prime Minister Shah addressed the General Debate of the Assembly on September 24, 2026. During his speech, he highlighted the devastating flood that hit Bhotekoshi last month as a serious impact of the climate crisis and as a warning for the world, according to Officiating Secretary Dhakal.
In his address to the UNGA, Prime Minister Shah drew the world’s attention to the huge loss of life and property, as well as the impact on physical infrastructure and livelihoods caused by the disaster.
On that occasion, Prime Minister Shah mentioned that due to climate change, the impact on the Himalayan ecosystem is increasing, and as glaciers and permafrost melt, the risks of disasters like landslides, floods, and avalanches are also rising.
During the address, the Prime Minister proposed setting up the ‘Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism’ to monitor risky glacial lakes, strengthen early warning systems, and coordinate across borders during disasters.
Also, Officiating Secretary Dhakal mentioned that Prime Minister Shah through his statement called for world peace, saying ‘May this world be able to follow the path shown by Buddha.’
During the PM’s meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the latter expressed deep sympathy for the loss of life and property in the Bhotekoshi disaster and said that the United Nations stands in solidarity with Nepal on climate issues.
Prime Minister Shah thanked Secretary-General Guterres for his goodwill towards Nepal and congratulated him on his successful term. Mentioning that Nepal suffered huge damage from the Bhotekoshi disaster, Prime Minister Shah said that the risk of glacial lake outbursts is still high.
Similarly, Prime Minister Shah met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. On that occasion, various issues of bilateral interest were discussed.
Officiating Secretary Dhakal mentioned that Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has been participating in the ministerial meetings during the General Assembly, including those of least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, non-aligned countries, the G-77, and China.
Also, Minister Khanal has been addressing other high-level discussions and sideline events organized by the United Nations.
Foreign Minister Khanal has been meeting with his counterparts from neighbouring countries and various friendly nations, as well as high-level officials of the United Nations, he said.
