Sep 04, Kathmandu - As Prime Minister Balendra Shah prepares to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively making arrangements for Nepal’s participation.

Initially, the Cabinet had decided that Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal would lead the Nepalese delegation to the UN. However, due to the urgent need to draw global attention to the climate-induced disasters in Nepal, there is now a proposal for the Prime Minister himself to attend the event. The official decision on whether the Prime Minister will participate or not has yet to be announced, but preparations are underway based on verbal communication from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Nepal’s primary agenda at the UN is expected to focus on climate change, emphasizing the devastating impacts faced by the Himalayan nation. Experts and officials believe that no other platform can better highlight Nepal’s climate crisis, especially in the wake of recent floods and natural calamities.

Members of Parliament, including Manish Jha of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, have called for the Prime Minister to participate actively on the international stage, voicing Nepal’s concerns on climate justice and the need for reparations. Jha pointed out that Nepal’s forests cover over 46 percent of the land, and the country’s carbon emissions are less than 1 percent, yet Nepal bears a disproportionate burden of climate-related damages. He urged the international community to recognize Nepal’s plight and address these issues at global forums.

Former Ambassador Vijay Kant Karna described the Prime Minister’s participation as a symbolic and significant gesture. He emphasized that Nepal has a unique opportunity to raise the issue of climate justice on the world stage and attract international support and reparations for the damages caused by climate change.

Recent floods on Bhadra 10 have garnered worldwide attention, with media outlets from India, the US, the UK, South Korea, and others prioritizing coverage of Nepal’s crisis. Discussions on climate change have also taken place in parliaments across these countries.

Karna noted that if the Prime Minister personally raises the issue of climate justice, Nepal could stand to receive compensation, sending a strong message globally. He highlighted that Nepal’s young Prime Minister, being one of the youngest leaders post-Jen-Gi movement, has earned international trust and credibility.

Nepal’s contribution to global carbon emissions is minimal, around 0.01 percent, primarily due to the emissions of larger countries like the US, Russia, Japan, India, and China. Karn stressed that these nations should be responsible for compensating Nepal for the damages caused.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal will prioritize raising issues related to the impact of climate change on the Himalayan region, including glacier melting, natural disasters, and the establishment of a compensation fund. Additionally, Nepal will advocate for the rights of least developed countries to be upgraded in international climate negotiations.

As the world watches, Nepal’s leadership aims to ensure that the climate crisis remains at the forefront of global discussions, seeking justice and support for the affected communities.