GNN, Kathmandu: Prime Minister Balendra Shah is set to present Nepal’s case for climate justice at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the growing climate risks confronting the Himalayan nation despite its negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

In his address to the high-level session, Shah is expected to draw international attention to the recent Bhotekoshi flood and its devastating consequences. The disaster caused significant loss of life and extensive damage to settlements, roads, bridges, hydropower projects and other critical infrastructure, reinforcing concerns over the growing vulnerability of Nepal’s mountain communities to climate-induced disasters.

Nepal is expected to call for easier and more accessible climate finance, technology transfer and stronger international support for disaster risk reduction, recovery and reconstruction. The government is also likely to emphasise the effective implementation of the ‘loss and damage’ mechanism for countries facing severe climate impacts despite having contributed relatively little to global emissions.

The Nepali delegation will further underline the importance of protecting the Himalayas, glaciers, river systems and fragile mountain ecosystems. Nepal has consistently argued that changes in the Himalayan environment have implications beyond its borders, with potential consequences for water availability, food security, energy systems and livelihoods across South Asia.

” Nepal to highlight Himalayan climate risks, loss and damage, climate finance and international support at UNGA81 “

During his stay in New York, Prime Minister Shah is scheduled to hold meetings with heads of state and government, senior United Nations officials and representatives of international partners. The Nepali delegation is also expected to raise issues concerning least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, sustainable development, climate finance and disaster resilience in various multilateral engagements on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

Nepal is also preparing a special side event focusing on climate resilience from the Himalayas to the oceans. Through the General Assembly and related engagements, Kathmandu is seeking stronger international cooperation, greater support for climate-vulnerable countries and wider recognition of the particular risks confronting mountain nations.

Nepal Climate Justice, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, UNGA81, Climate Change, Himalayan Climate Crisis, Bhotekoshi Flood, Climate Finance