Guterres calls on global community to help Nepal combat climate change

KATHMANDU: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday said that climate change has made a big impact in Nepal.

Speaking at a joint press briefing following his meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Guterres called upon the global community to support Nepal in addressing climate change issues. “I am visiting the Himalayan region to witness the effects of climate change firsthand. I will also meet the local communities to better understand the challenges they face,” he said.

Furthermore, Guterres urged for the unconditional release of all hostages, including Bipin Joshi of Nepal, who are reportedly held by Hamas. He also extended his condolences to the families of the ten Nepali students who tragically lost their lives in Israel. The conflict unfolding in the Middle East, thousands of miles away from Nepal, is affecting people in Nepal, he added.

Guterres said he was delighted to visit the beautiful country of Nepal and commended the productive discussions he had with Prime Minister Dahal. “I will forever cherish the warm welcome I received here. My visit to Kathmandu is aimed at strengthening the relationship between Nepal and the United Nations. I wish to express my gratitude to Nepal for its significant contributions to peacekeeping efforts and multilateralism,” he added.

The Secretary-General also acknowledged Nepal’s substantial contributions to international peacekeeping missions.

He also said Nepal has made remarkable progress over the last two decades. Besides transitioning to a republic, the country is making substantial strides towards peace and sustainable development, he added. “The coming years will be important for Nepal as it graduates from the least developed country,” he added.

Guterres also said he was eager to visit Lumbini to promote the message of peace to the world.