Nepal PM to address UNGA on climate change and flood impacts

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah is set to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 22 to 26. During his speech on September 24, Shah will highlight the devastating impacts of climate change on Nepal, specifically referencing the Bhotekoshi flash floods that occurred in August. These floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, resulted in over 1,300 deaths and significant property destruction.

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai stated that the Prime Minister will advocate for climate justice, calling on the international community for compensation through the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The official noted that while Nepal contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains at the forefront of climate-induced crises.

In a separate discussion, former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal emphasized that Himalayan disasters should not be viewed merely as internal issues but as global concerns linked to rising temperatures. Khanal advocated for increased regional and international cooperation for risk mitigation and stressed the importance of Nepal maintaining its commitment to the One China policy while pursuing trans-Himalayan connectivity and infrastructure projects.