Prime Minister Sah Raises Climate Crisis at UN General Assembly

Kathmandu : Prime Minister Balendra Sah, addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly, said the disasters Nepal is facing due to climate change are a warning for the entire world.

In his address on Friday, Sah highlighted the devastating Bhotekoshi River floods on Bhadra 10, which caused significant loss of life and property. Describing the disaster as a “Himalayan tsunami,” he stressed the need for greater international cooperation to address the climate crisis.

Sah said Nepal contributes less than 0.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but is bearing a disproportionate burden of climate change. He warned that melting glaciers, glacial lake outbursts, landslides and floods are increasing risks and seriously affecting Nepal’s development.

He proposed establishing a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism led by Nepal, India and China. The mechanism would facilitate the sharing of satellite data and expertise, monitoring of high-risk glacial lakes, stronger early-warning systems and coordinated cross-border assistance during disasters.

Prime Minister Sah also called for adequate grant-based international support rather than placing additional debt burdens on countries affected by climate disasters. He said the international community must take concrete responsibility for climate justice, addressing loss and damage, and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable countries.