Khanal lays diplomatic groundwork ahead of PM Shah’s UNGA address

NEW YORK: As Prime Minister Balendra Shah heads to New York to present Nepal’s case on the world stage on Tuesday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal has already begun diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

While Shah prepares to address climate justice, the Bhotekoshi flood disaster, and Nepal’s recent political changes during the General Debate, Khanal has been holding a series of meetings with counterparts from Europe, South Asia, and East Asia.

New York has seen a surge of diplomatic activity since the high-level week began. This year’s General Assembly is taking place amid a volatile global environment marked by the Russia-Ukraine war, conflicts in West Asia, regional tensions in the Gulf, U.S.-Iran friction, economic instability, development finance shortages, and questions surrounding the effectiveness of multilateral institutions. Nepal’s representation is proceeding on two tracks: Shah will take the main stage at the General Assembly, while Khanal handles bilateral diplomatic engagements on the sidelines.

Shah is scheduled to arrive in New York on Wednesday. He will address the General Debate on Sept. 24 and meet with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres before returning to Kathmandu on Sept. 26. Since Shah is not scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with other heads of state or government, Khanal’s ongoing diplomatic efforts carry special significance.

Khanal arrived in New York ahead of the prime minister to initiate an extensive round of diplomacy. After arriving Monday morning, he held separate meetings with senior officials from the European Union, Poland, Bhutan, Portugal and Japan.

The foreign minister’s first diplomatic engagement in New York was with European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera. During the meeting, Khanal thanked the EU for its sympathy and solidarity following the recent Bhotekoshi floods. The two discussed Nepal-EU relations and ways to strengthen cooperation in post-disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and infrastructure reconstruction in flood-affected regions.

Khanal then met Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. The two ministers discussed bilateral relations, cooperation in areas of mutual interest, and greater coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.

The foreign minister’s meeting with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay carried particular significance for Himalayan diplomacy. Both nations face growing risks from natural disasters linked to climate change. The two leaders emphasized greater cooperation on environmental issues and shared concerns unique to mountain countries. Prime Minister Tobgay also expressed solidarity with Nepal following the Bhotekoshi disaster.

Khanal also met with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel. During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed Nepal-Portugal relations and issues of common interest.

The meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. The two nations have been collaborating across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, tourism, education and culture.

Diplomatic observers view Khanal’s early meetings as essential groundwork rather than mere courtesy calls. His engagements serve as the initial phase for establishing Nepal’s policy priorities ahead of the prime minister’s arrival. Climate justice, reconstruction following the Bhotekoshi floods, Nepal’s internal political developments, and multilateral cooperation have emerged as recurring themes of Khanal’s discussions.

The government views the General Assembly as a critical opportunity to highlight the disproportionate losses Nepal suffers due to the global climate crisis. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shah will raise issues including loss of life and property, climate justice, loss and damage funding, climate finance, and technical assistance for climate-resilient infrastructure.

The Bhotekoshi disaster is the major issue that the Nepali delegation is raising this year. Following devastating flooding on August 26, the government has sought international assistance for rescue, relief, and reconstruction. The disaster caused estimated damage and economic losses of Rs 408.29 billion, while an estimated Rs 723.32 billion will be required to rebuild infrastructure, rehabilitate affected populations, and support long-term economic recovery, according to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment.

The high-level General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly opened Tuesday and will continue through Sept. 28. This year’s theme is “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Managing change for a sustainable future.”

By tradition dating back to 1955, Brazil opens the General Debate, followed by the United States. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered the opening national address, followed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The foreign minister will participate in various ministerial meetings, high-level discussions, and side events throughout the session. Khanal is also scheduled to attend meetings of the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77 and China.

In addition, Nepal will host a side event on Sept. 25 titled “From Everest to the Ocean: A Call for a Climate-Resilient Future,” aimed at drawing global attention to environmental risks facing the Himalayan ecosystem.

What is Nepal seeking in New York?

This year’s General Assembly is important for Nepal in three respects.

First is climate justice. Using the Bhotekoshi disaster as an example, Nepal is seeking to amplify the concerns of countries that contribute little to global emissions but face high climate risks.

Second is international support for reconstruction. Nepal has an opportunity to institutionalize cooperation with the EU, Japan, neighboring countries and other development partners for rehabilitation and reconstruction following the Bhotekoshi disaster.

Third is Nepal’s position in a changing global order. By engaging in parallel dialogue with the United States, Europe, Japan, South Asia and partners in multilateral forums, Nepal has an opportunity to articulate its foreign policy priorities.