Nepals Prime Minister Balendra Shah to Attend UN General Assembly in New York

Kathmandu, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah will make his first foreign trip to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. This visit marks a significant moment for Shah, who assumed office in March.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on September 18 that Shah will depart for New York on September 22. He will lead the Nepali delegation during the high-level week of the UNGA.

Shah’s visit comes at a critical time as Nepal seeks international attention and aid following devastating floods that struck the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers on August 26. These floods resulted in substantial loss of life and damage to infrastructure.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the bodies of 1,410 flood victims have been recovered, while 6,145 individuals remain missing as of Thursday evening.

During the UNGA, Nepal intends to highlight issues related to climate change and the impact of climate-related disasters. Prime Minister Shah is set to address the General Debate on September 24 and will also meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his stay.

This will be Shah’s first participation in the annual gathering of world leaders since taking office.

Additionally, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal will travel to New York on September 20 to participate in various high-level meetings and ministerial events. Khanal is expected to hold bilateral discussions with counterparts and other dignitaries during his time in the city.

The Nepali delegation under Shah’s leadership will include key officials such as Khanal, Chief Advisor Kumar Byanjankar, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, and other senior government representatives.

Initially, the Nepali Cabinet had decided to send Foreign Minister Khanal to lead the delegation. However, following the recent catastrophic floods, the government determined that it would be more impactful for the Prime Minister to personally represent Nepal at the assembly.