Nepal has underscored the importance of peace, development, and human rights at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Addressing the General Debate, Lok Bahadur Thapa, ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN, highlighted both domestic and global challenges, while reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to multilateralism.

“Earlier this month, Nepali youth, particularly Gen Z, took to the streets with a clear and compelling voice for change,” he said, reflecting on recent political developments. He added that their demands were not for narrow interests, but for a nation built on the pillars of good governance—transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people.

Thapa acknowledged the unfortunate violence during the movement, noting that many government buildings were reduced to ashes, but highlighted that an interim government has been formed and general elections are slated for March.

On the international front, Thapa stressed that the world stands at a crossroads, with peace under threat, militarisation rising, and climate crises intensifying.

Referring to the session’s theme, he said, “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights could not be more relevant.” He described the UN as a beacon of hope for peace, shared prosperity, equity, justice, freedom, and human rights, and urged nations to strengthen its founding values.

Nepal reaffirmed its longstanding support for the UN, noting its 70-year membership and its position as the largest troop-contributing country.

“Our highly professional peacekeepers serve with a deep sense of duty to secure peace and stability in the conflict-ridden parts of the world,” he said.

Thapa highlighted urgent global issues, including conflicts and human suffering. “War is raging relentlessly in Ukraine. Suffering is deepening in Gaza, where civilians bear the heaviest toll,” he said.

He called for the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, held hostage by Hamas since October 2023. He also stressed the impact of climate change, particularly in mountain regions, noting that glaciers melting in our Himalayas are seriously threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions downstream.

On climate action, Nepal reiterated its commitments, including its third Nationally Determined Contribution aiming to reduce emissions by nearly 27% and expand renewable energy eightfold by 2035.

Thapa urged the international community to provide scaled-up, predictable and accessible climate finance, and hold polluters accountable.

He further called for strengthening multilateralism, ensuring inclusive digital transformation, reforming the UN, and accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. “No single nation—however rich and powerful—can resolve global problems alone,” he said, underlining the need for global solidarity.