Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Wednesday said Nepal would remain a strong and reliable partner of the United Nations as the two sides marked 70 years of cooperation.

Speaking at a programme at the UN House in Pulchowk, the prime minister said Nepal highly valued the UN’s role in promoting peace, development and human rights.

She said the UN had played a significant role in improving the lives of Nepalis over the decades and that the 70-year milestone was an opportunity to reflect on past cooperation and strengthen the partnership for the future.

Referring to the UN’s founding principles, Karki said the organisation’s focus on peace, human rights and development remained relevant amid global challenges such as climate change and rising tensions. She said the UN system needed to be made stronger and more effective through collective effort.

Nepal joined the United Nations on December 14, 1955, and has consistently followed the principles of the UN Charter, she said. Karki noted that Nepal is currently the largest troop-contributing country to UN peace support operations, with Nepali soldiers and police serving in various missions.

The prime minister also said Nepal was prepared to contribute further if required, describing peacekeeping as a reflection of the country’s commitment to global peace.

On domestic developments, Karki said the government was committed to holding elections scheduled for March 5. She said preparations were almost complete and that the security situation had improved significantly.

She also said Nepal was on track to graduate from the Least Developed Country category by 2026, calling it a major milestone. To ensure a sustainable transition, Nepal would need increased investment, access to technology and continued partnership with the United Nations, she said.