Nepal PM Balendra Shah to address UN session to voice concern over climate change

Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah will visit the US later this month to address the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, where he is likely to raise the issue of climate change and seek compensation from the international community over the devastating flash floods.

The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal, killing more than 1,300, while around 4,900 remain missing.

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Shah is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York on September 24, according to the UN's official speaking schedule. This would be his first foreign trip since taking office on March 27.

Shah will lead the Nepalese delegation to the UNGA, Foreign Ministry sources said. Discussions and consultations are underway at various levels to formulate Nepal's position for the UNGA.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently busy in preparation for the upcoming visit. The Prime Minister's Office has held discussions with experts and scientists in Nepal and abroad on issues to be raised during Shah's visit, according to officials.

Nepal is likely to raise the issue of climate change and campaign for compensation from the international community during Shah's address to the UNGA.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal will accompany Shah on the high-level visit.

A couple of days ago, Khanal held comprehensive discussions with representatives of diplomatic missions based in Nepal on the issue of climate justice that Nepal plans to raise on the global stage.

The government is assessing the human and material losses caused by the disaster. The Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are jointly preparing a report, containing a factual assessment of the damage.

According to the General Assembly Organising Committee, preparations for the opening and other sessions, which will run from September 8 to 28, have been intensified. The general debate at the UNGA will be held from September 22 to 26.