Nepal’s Prime Minister Oli Urges Global Unity for Peace and Sustainable Development at UN General Assembly

Speaking at the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli delivered a powerful call for global unity in tackling pressing issues like climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and economic inequality. His address, under the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” emphasized the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the future of both people and the planet.

Prime Minister Oli opened by extending congratulations to the newly elected President of the Assembly and paid tribute to the outgoing president for his leadership. He also expressed appreciation for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, particularly highlighting his 2023 visit to Nepal, where the UN leader addressed both the peace legacy of Gautam Buddha’s birthplace and the mounting climate crisis from the Everest region.

A Call for Multilateralism and Collective Will

Describing the current global landscape as a “watershed moment,” Oli painted a stark picture of contrasts: rising geopolitical tensions, mounting military expenditures, and the specter of nuclear conflict on one side, with climate catastrophe and economic disparity between the Global North and Global South on the other. He decried the continued concentration of wealth and prosperity in developed nations while poverty remains entrenched in the least developed countries (LDCs).

Prime Minister Oli stressed that the world can only overcome these crises through “collective will and unified action,” and urged the international community to embrace the principles of multilateralism and meaningful cooperation.

Nepal’s Commitment to Democracy and Development

Oli reaffirmed Nepal’s unwavering commitment to the principle of “Leaving No One Behind,” enshrined in the country’s Constitution, which guarantees inclusivity, equality, and social justice. He emphasized the importance of “comprehensive democracy,” a concept that goes beyond electoral processes to ensure equal opportunities, social protection, and dignity for all.

As a nation that emerged from conflict, Nepal understands the value of peace, Oli said. He highlighted the Transitional Justice bill passed by his government to address the scars of the country’s civil war and reaffirmed Nepal’s dedication to human rights, reparations, and reconciliation. He also outlined the country’s aspirations, including graduating from LDC status by 2026, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, and becoming a developed country by 2043.

However, Oli pointed out that Nepal faces a financial gap of $24 billion to meet the SDGs and called for enhanced international support to meet these targets.

Urgent Climate Action Needed

Prime Minister Oli’s speech took a strong stance on climate change, describing it as the “gravest threat” to humanity. As one of the world’s most vulnerable nations to climate impacts, Nepal is already experiencing the severe effects of global warming. Oli noted the alarming rate at which Nepal’s Himalayas are losing their snow reserves, threatening water supplies for billions of people downstream.

Despite Nepal’s contributions to global environmental health through its forests, mountains, and rivers, the country continues to suffer the consequences of climate change. Oli called for “climate justice” and emphasized the importance of the mountain agenda in climate negotiations. He also reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, aiming to achieve a net-zero target by 2045, five years ahead of the global target.

Global Harmony and Peace

Oli reiterated Nepal’s belief in dialogue and diplomacy as the only means to resolve conflicts, including the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. He also reaffirmed Nepal’s support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and called for greater efforts to resolve humanitarian crises in countries like Syria, Yemen, and Sudan.

The Prime Minister emphasized Nepal’s long-standing commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation, noting that the country hosts the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific.

A Vision of a Just, Equitable Global Order

Prime Minister Oli concluded his address with a vision for a reformed and more accountable UN system. He called for the United Nations to be more democratic, transparent, and effective, ensuring that the voices of LDCs, landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS) are represented. Oli endorsed a more equitable global financial system, echoing Secretary-General Guterres’ recent call for reform of a system he described as “morally bankrupt.”

Nepal, Oli said, remains a steadfast advocate for universal human rights, gender equality, and the protection of migrant workers. His speech ended on a note of optimism, asserting that humanity can still overcome today’s challenges through global cooperation, trust, and understanding. Echoing ancient Nepali wisdom, he invoked the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world as one family—stressing Nepal’s commitment to playing its role in securing peace, prosperity, and dignity for all.

With this powerful and heartfelt appeal, Prime Minister Oli reaffirmed Nepal’s role as a beacon of peace and collaboration in the global community, urging the world to come together to “leave no one behind” in the pursuit of sustainable development and human dignity for future generations.

The post Nepal’s Prime Minister Oli Urges Global Unity for Peace and Sustainable Development at UN General Assembly appeared first on NEPYORK .