Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Balen Shah to Lead Nepal at UNGA, Highlighting Climate Crisis
Nepal’s prime minister, Balen Shah, plans to attend an important United Nations meeting.
He will speak for Nepal at the General Assembly in New York.
Nepal wants other countries to pay attention to climate change.
The prime minister is also expected to discuss a deadly flood that happened in Nepal.
The Bhotekoshi flood affected more than 1.6 million people downstream.
Nepal had first planned to send Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal instead.
Officials now believe the prime minister’s presence is more suitable because the issues are urgent.
Shah is expected to arrive shortly before his speech and leave soon afterward.
Nepal’s Cabinet decided that Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah will lead the country’s delegation to the 2026 United Nations General Assembly.
Shah is expected to discuss climate change, Himalayan risks and the recent flash-flood crisis.
The August 26 Bhotekoshi flood caused major loss of life and affected more than 1.6 million downstream residents.
Shah’s planned attendance replaces an earlier decision for Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to lead Nepal’s delegation.
The UN General Assembly’s formal session is scheduled to open on September 8, with high-level debate beginning September 22.
- Who
- Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah will lead Nepal’s delegation, with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal previously selected for the role.
- What
- Shah is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly on climate change and Nepal’s recent flood crisis.
- When
- The General Assembly’s formal opening is scheduled for September 8, and its high-level General Debate begins September 22; the article identifies the trip as taking place in 2026.
- Where
- The meeting will take place in New York, United States.
- Why
- Nepal wants to highlight climate-related risks, the Himalayan region’s vulnerability and the consequences of the recent Bhotekoshi flood.
- Delegation leader
- Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah
- Forum
- 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly
- Main issues
- Climate change and the recent flash-flood crisis
- Flood date
- August 26
- Flood impact
- More than 1.6 million people affected downstream
- General Debate
- Scheduled to begin September 22
- Travel plan
- Shah is expected to arrive one day before his address and leave after delivering it.