Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah has returned to his country after participating in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). During his time in New York, he emphasised the urgent need for the international community to transform climate justice rhetoric into tangible action. Speaking on September 24, he pointed out that despite being minimally responsible for global emissions, Nepal is highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

Shah’s remarks were made during the General Debate, which centred around the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.” He specifically drew attention to the recent catastrophic floods in Bhotekoshi, which took place the previous month, underscoring the importance of collective global responsibility and cooperative efforts to tackle climate-related challenges.

Need For Global Responsibility and Cooperation

In his address, Shah underscored that Nepal contributes only 0.1 per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions but remains at the forefront of climate change consequences. He elaborated on the severe threats posed to the Himalayan ecosystem, particularly regarding the risk of floods and landslides in downstream areas due to ice-rock avalanches intensified by melting permafrost.

The Prime Minister urged nations with significant contributions to climate change, as well as those endowed with more resources and capabilities, to take on greater responsibility in mitigating the crisis. He called upon the international community to actualise climate justice through practical measures to assist Himalayan nations like Nepal, which face severe climate threats.

Shah further highlighted the critical need for global cooperation in mobilising funds for post-disaster responses. This includes necessary efforts for rehabilitation and reconstruction after natural calamities. He stressed that accessing resources from the Loss and Damage Fund, along with other existing climate finance structures, has to be streamlined for countries like Nepal that are vulnerable to such disasters.

Impact of Recent Floods in Nepal

The Prime Minister’s speech at the United Nations also referenced the significant damage caused by the flash floods that originated on August 26, near the Nepal-Tibet border. These floods wreaked havoc in numerous towns and villages throughout northern and central Nepal, as the Bhotekoshi River forcibly transported floodwaters downstream, destroying homes, vehicles, roads, and bridges, and damaging local hydropower projects.

According to reports from Nepalese authorities, the tragic consequences of the floods resulted in at least 1,453 confirmed deaths, with over 5,285 individuals still unaccounted for one month after the event. Furthermore, Chinese media indicated that 43 fatalities were reported in Tibet, where more than 500 people are also missing. This dual impact highlights the extensive scale of the disaster that Shah urged global leaders to consider during his address at the UN.

The Nepalese Prime Minister’s appeal for action underscores the urgent need for the international community to respond effectively to the ongoing climate crisis, particularly for nations like Nepal that are disproportionately affected despite their limited contribution to global emissions. This call for solidarity and action representative of Himalayan countries aims to address the immediate and long-term challenges posed by climate change.

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