PM Shah at UNGA: “Nepal Did Not Warm the Planet, Yet We Pay the Ultimate Price”

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has called on the international community to take stronger action on climate change, describing the recent Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster as a warning not only for Nepal but for the wider world. Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, Shah said Nepal is facing severe consequences from a climate crisis it has contributed little to creating. Shah highlighted the destruction caused by the recent floods and landslides, including the loss of lives, homes, roads, bridges, schools and livelihoods. He said Nepal’s climate crisis should be viewed not merely as a humanitarian issue but as a “development emergency,” as repeated disasters can erase years of development gains. A major proposal in his address was the establishment of a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism, led by Nepal, India and China. The proposed mechanism would facilitate the sharing of satellite data and expertise, monitoring of vulnerable glacial lakes, stronger joint early-warning systems and cross-border coordination during disasters. The Prime Minister also called for stronger climate finance and grant-based international support, arguing that existing mechanisms for addressing loss and damage remain inadequate for vulnerable countries. He stressed the principles of climate justice and “common but differentiated responsibilities,” calling for greater support from countries with greater historical contributions to global emissions and greater capacity to respond. Shah further outlined six key priorities for climate-vulnerable countries: Relief, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Responsibility, Reparation and Resilience. He said Nepal must move from an approach focused mainly on post-disaster response toward preparedness, resilient infrastructure, insurance, innovation, early-warning systems and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. He also emphasized Nepal’s role in climate action, highlighting forest restoration, hydropower development, electric transportation and local-level climate adaptation efforts. The government had previously indicated that climate justice, climate finance, loss and damage and Himalayan protection would be among Nepal’s priorities at the UNGA.