From Bhote Koshi to New York: PM Shah Takes Nepal’s Climate Case to the UN
Prime Minister Balendra Shah is leaving for New York on September 22 to lead Nepal’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, marking his first foreign trip since taking office in March. Shah will address the General Debate on September 24, where Nepal will highlight climate justice, climate-related losses and the need for stronger international support for vulnerable countries.
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Kathmandu, September 22, 2026
Shah Heads to New York
Prime Minister Balendra Shah will leave Kathmandu for New York on September 22 to lead Nepal’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he will address world leaders on September 24 and present Nepal’s priorities, particularly climate justice and the growing impact of climate-related disasters. He is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on September 26.
The visit will mark Shah’s first foreign trip since becoming prime minister in March 2026.
Nepal’s Climate Case Takes Center Stage
Climate change and its impact on Nepal are expected to be major themes of Shah’s address to the UN General Assembly.
Nepal plans to draw international attention to the repeated loss of lives and property caused by climate-related disasters despite the country contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Shah is expected to call for climate justice and stronger international support for countries facing severe climate impacts.
Bhote Koshi Disaster to Shape the Message
The recent devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi River are expected to be highlighted as an example of Nepal’s growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
Nepal is expected to use the disaster to explain the human and economic costs of climate change and strengthen its call for greater international assistance.
Nepal to Seek Climate Support
Nepal will call for adequate financial support through international mechanisms, including the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
The country is also expected to urge developed and wealthy nations to make climate finance and technology more accessible and affordable for vulnerable countries.
Such support could help Nepal strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure, improve disaster preparedness, promote climate-smart agriculture and protect communities increasingly affected by climate change.
Himalayas on the Global Agenda
Shah’s address is also expected to draw attention to the particular risks facing mountain countries.
Nepal will highlight the vulnerability of the Himalayan region while presenting its environmental contribution, including its forests, mountains and river systems.
The government is expected to argue that countries protecting important natural resources while facing serious climate impacts require stronger international support.
‘Sagarmatha to the Sea’
Nepal will also organize a high-level side event titled “Sagarmatha to the Sea: A Call to Action for a Climate-Resilient Future.”
The event will focus on the effects of global climate change on the Himalayas and seek greater international attention and cooperation to address climate risks facing Nepal and other vulnerable countries.
Meeting With António Guterres
During his stay in New York, Shah is scheduled to meet United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
The meeting comes as Nepal seeks to bring greater international attention to the impact of climate change on the Himalayas and communities facing repeated climate-related disasters.
Foreign Minister Already in New York
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal left for New York ahead of Shah to participate in high-level meetings, side events and ministerial engagements.
Khanal is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with foreign counterparts and other dignitaries during the UN General Assembly.
A 14-Member Nepali Delegation
Shah is leading a 14-member Nepali delegation to New York.
The delegation includes Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Kumar Byanjankar, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other senior government officials.
First Foreign Trip as Prime Minister
The New York visit will be Shah’s first foreign trip since taking office as prime minister in March 2026.
Beyond his UN speech, the visit will provide Nepal with an international platform to present its climate concerns and seek continued global cooperation.
Return to Kathmandu
Prime Minister Shah is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on September 26 after completing his engagements in New York.
His short visit will center on Nepal’s participation in the UN General Assembly, climate diplomacy and efforts to secure stronger international support for countries facing growing climate risks.
Published Yesterday in Nepal