Prime Minister Balendra Shah is leaving Nepal for New York on September 22 to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The visit marks his first foreign trip since taking office on March 27, 2026.
Shah is leading a 14-member Nepali delegation and is scheduled to address the General Debate on September 24. During his five-day stay in New York, he is also expected to meet United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
A major focus of Nepal’s message at the UN will be climate change and climate justice. Shah is expected to highlight the serious impact of climate-related disasters on Nepal, including the recent Bhotekoshi floods, and call for stronger international support for countries facing major climate risks despite having low carbon emissions.
The Prime Minister is also expected to discuss Nepal’s recent political changes, the concerns of mountain countries and Nepal’s contribution to UN peacekeeping. His visit comes as world leaders gather in New York for discussions on major global challenges, including climate change, international conflicts and emerging technologies.
Shah is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on September 26 after concluding his engagements at the UN General Assembly.