Nepal's PM Balen to Address Climate Justice at UN Assembly
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah prepares for his inaugural international trip to advocate for climate justice at the UN General Assembly.
PM Balendra Shah's first foreign visit coincides with the UN General Assembly.
Nepal aims to highlight the impact of climate change following recent disasters.
Calls for compensation and climate finance are central to Shah's agenda.
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah is set to embark on his first international trip to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly later this month. This visit comes nearly six months after he assumed office on March 27, marking a significant moment as he aims to address pressing issues related to climate justice and reconstruction assistance, particularly in light of the recent Bhote Koshi-Trishuli disaster.
Initially, the Nepali government planned for Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to lead the delegation. However, the severity of the recent floods prompted a shift in strategy, with calls from both the ruling party and the public for PM Shah to personally represent Nepal's interests on the global stage. The high-profile UN General Debate is scheduled to commence on September 22, providing a platform for Shah to advocate for his country's needs.
In his recent statements, Shah has framed the flood disaster as a manifestation of broader global climate issues. He emphasized that climate change is a collective problem requiring a united response from the international community. Shah expressed the necessity for Nepal to assertively present its challenges related to climate change, highlighting the urgency for global action and support.
Climate experts are urging Shah to go beyond general appeals for assistance during his address in New York. They advocate for a more specific focus on seeking compensation and climate finance, arguing that Nepal is disproportionately affected by climate crises that it did not contribute to. Aarti Khosla, a climate policy expert, noted that the recent disaster underscores the need for climate action to be integrated into development strategies.
Former Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has also provided recommendations to PM Shah, urging him to demand compensation for the losses incurred due to rising global temperatures and carbon emissions. As Nepal prepares for this critical engagement at the UN, the outcomes of Shah's discussions could have significant implications for the country's future climate policy and international support.
