Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 25, 2026, following devastating floods in Nepal that he described as a "warning to the world." In his speech, Shah highlighted the impact of climate change and called for increased international cooperation to protect the Himalayas, which he stated are crucial to the planet's life-support system.
Shah proposed the establishment of a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism, which would involve Nepal, India, and China in sharing satellite data and expertise, as well as monitoring glacial lakes that pose risks. He advocated for stronger joint early-warning systems and coordinated cross-border disaster assistance.
The Prime Minister noted that Nepal contributes less than 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions and emphasized that his country is suffering disproportionately from climate change impacts. He called for grant-based support for vulnerable nations rather than loans, arguing that additional debt is not a viable solution for countries recovering from climate disasters.
Shah, who is the youngest head of government to speak at the UNGA, referenced the catastrophic glacier collapse on August 26 that led to the floods, resulting in widespread destruction and leaving over 6,000 people missing. He urged global leaders to recommit to shared responsibility and solidarity in addressing climate change.
The speech underscored the principles of responsibility, reparation, and resilience, as Shah called for a collaborative approach to climate action rather than allowing it to become a geopolitical issue.