Kathmandu, September 26: Prime Minister Balendra Shah returned to Nepal on Saturday after participating in the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Shah had departed Kathmandu on September 22 and addressed the General Debate of the UN General Assembly on September 24.

In his address, Shah highlighted the devastating Bhote Koshi floods as an example of the severe impacts of the climate crisis, noting that Nepal contributes less than 0.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but faces disproportionate consequences. He called for greater climate justice, easier access to grant-based international financing for recovery and reconstruction, and stronger mobilisation of resources through mechanisms including the Loss and Damage Fund. He also proposed establishing a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism to strengthen monitoring of vulnerable glacial lakes, early-warning systems and cross-border coordination during disasters.

During his visit, Shah met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, with discussions covering the Bhote Koshi disaster, climate change, rehabilitation of communities living along river corridors, green reconstruction and Nepal’s graduation from the Least Developed Country category. Shah also held a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during which the two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interest.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, meanwhile, has been participating in ministerial meetings involving Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the G77 and China, as well as other high-level UN discussions and side events. He has also been holding meetings with counterparts from neighbouring and other friendly countries and senior United Nations officials.