Statement
Statement summary
The representative of Nepal said the recent protests by Nepalese youth were a “resounding reminder that the aspirations of this generation are nothing less than a fair, just and prosperous Nepal”. Now, an interim Government has been formed, and for the first time in the country’s history, it is led by a woman prime minister. General elections are scheduled for March 2026, strengthening Nepal’s democracy through fresh mandates. Rebuilding institutions, restoring trust and healing society “will take time, resources and solidarity”. He added: “Nepal stands at a historical cross-roads,” and it appreciates the continued support of the international community as it moves forward. The world also stands at a cross-roads. The UN, as a beacon of hope, must “shine brighter than ever”.
Nepal has long stood by the UN, in providing peacekeepers and upholding a rules-based order. He highlighted the crisis in Ukraine, while also expressing deep concern over the innocent civilians held by Hamas and calling for the immediate release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student. More broadly, he denounced “skyrocketing” defence budgets and “shrinking” development cooperation, making an “urgent call to reassess, strengthen and revitalize our multilateral institutions and to fortify global solidarity and action”. Multilateral institutions must deliver “not just promises, but results”. They must be representative, transparent and accountable. He called for faster action on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the timely, effective implementation of the Compromiso de Sevilla. In addition, there must be climate justice and climate action. Nepal has first-hand experience of glaciers melting and is deeply concerned about the disproportionate impact of climate change, particularly in mountain regions. This is not just a crisis of emissions, it is a crisis of equity, of survival, of justice. Polluters must take responsibility — and action. Digital transformation must also be inclusive.
Nepal’s UN Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa delivered a comprehensive address to the General Assembly’s high-level debate on Monday, emphasising both domestic reforms and the urgent need for international solidarity to tackle global crises.
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Read also the UN News stories in Hindi and Urdu about the declaration made by the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations at the General Debate.
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He framed Nepal’s recent challenges and achievements as part of a broader call for strengthened multilateral action.
Mr. Thapa opened by noting the youth-led political movement earlier this month – the “Gen-Z protests” – which demanded transparent governance, equal opportunities across Nepalese society and an end to corruption.
“Their aspirations are for nothing less than a fair, just and prosperous Nepal,” he said, while also lamenting the violence that claimed lives and damaged public infrastructure during the demonstrations.
He highlighted the subsequent political milestones following the transformational protests, including the appointment of the country’s first female Prime Minister and the upcoming general elections in March 2026.
Mr. Thapa described these developments as steps toward consolidating democracy, rebuilding institutions and restoring public trust.
World at a crossroads
Turning to global concerns, Ambassador Thapa warned of rising military expenditures, unmet commitments to sustainable development and the worsening climate crisis.
He said they were a reminder that multilateral institutions, including the UN, must be revitalised to respond effectively.
He also addressed ongoing crises worldwide, including the war in Ukraine and conflicts in Sudan and the Sahel. He highlighted the “heavy toll” borne by civilians in Gaza, while calling for the immediate release of all hostages, including a Nepalese student taken by Hamas during the October 7 attacks in Israel.
Call for global solidarity
Mr. Thapa called for accelerated progress toward the 2030 Agenda and ambitious climate action, emphasising emissions reduction and scaling up renewable energy.
He also highlighted the need for fairer global representation in international financial institutions and the Security Council – calling for them to become more inclusive, transparent and accountable.
Recalling that the UN has served for 80 years as a beacon of peace, justice, human rights, and development, Ambassador Thapa concluded with a plea for collective responsibility:
“When the United Nations succeeds, humanity as a whole succeeds. When it falters, it is the innocent and the vulnerable who bear the heaviest cost. Let us stand together, united and determined, to ensure enduring peace and prosperity in the world.”
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