Kathmandu: Prime Minister Balendra Shah is scheduled to address the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 24, 2026. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the high-level General Debate will take place from September 22 to 28 under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.” The Nepali delegation will include Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Kumar Byanjankar, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other senior officials.

During his address, Prime Minister Shah is expected to highlight the growing impact of climate change on Nepal, including the loss of lives and infrastructure caused by climate-induced disasters. Nepal will call for climate justice, easier access to climate finance and appropriate support through mechanisms such as the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. Nepal will also organise a side event titled “Sagarmatha to the Sea: A Call to Action for a Climate-Resilient Future,” focusing on the impact of global climate change on the Himalayan region and its wider consequences.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations following the devastating Bhote Koshi River floods of August 26 have entered their 17th day. According to the latest government figures, 13,676 people, including more than 320 foreign nationals, have been rescued, while approximately 5,130 people remain missing. Around 600 foreign nationals from approximately 35 countries are among the missing, while 1,385 bodies have been recovered from flood-affected areas. International rescue and forensic teams continue to support Nepali authorities in search, recovery and identification operations.

The government’s Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment estimates total damage from the disaster at approximately USD 1.8 billion and economic losses at around USD 883 million. Reconstruction requirements are estimated at approximately USD 4.78 billion, including USD 57.67 million for short-term recovery and reconstruction over the next six months and around USD 4.71 billion for longer-term reconstruction. The government is also conducting a comprehensive Post Disaster Needs Assessment to determine the full extent of damage, losses and recovery requirements.