नेपाली
Nepal’s prime minister is expected to highlight the impact of climate change on low-emitting countries and seek greater climate finance, technology transfer and support for disaster recovery.
Published: September 24, 2026
Kathmandu
Prime Minister Balendra Shah is set to use his address to the United Nations General Assembly to highlight the devastating impact of climate change on Nepal and call for greater international support for climate justice.
Shah, who arrived in New York on Wednesday, is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 24 during the afternoon session. His speech is expected to focus on the loss of lives, livelihoods and infrastructure caused by climate-related disasters, particularly the August 26 Bhotekoshi floods.
According to government officials, Shah will seek greater international support for climate finance, loss and damage, technology transfer, reconstruction and climate resilience.
The Bhotekoshi floods caused widespread destruction across Nepal, damaging hydropower projects, bridges, schools, health facilities and private homes. The government is expected to use the disaster to draw international attention to the growing climate risks faced by Himalayan and low-carbon-emitting countries.
Shah is also expected to argue that countries like Nepal, which contribute relatively little to global carbon emissions, should not have to bear the economic burden of climate-induced disasters alone.
Beyond climate change, the prime minister is expected to discuss Nepal’s changing political situation following last year’s Gen Z movement, the priorities of his new government and Nepal’s contribution to UN peacekeeping.
During his visit, Shah is also scheduled to hold high-level meetings with UN officials, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as other leaders and representatives attending the General Assembly.
Nepali officials are expected to press developed countries for concessional and accessible climate finance, technology transfer and support for climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness and climate-friendly development.
Nepal will also host a side event titled, ‘Sagarmatha to Sea’, A Call to Action for a Climate Resilient Future, on September 25 on the margins of the General Assembly.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly opened on September 8, while the high-level General Debate is being held from September 22 to 28.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
