Prime Minister Balendra Shah left Kathmandu on Tuesday for New York, where he will lead Nepal’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Shah’s departure also comes amid the government’s response to the recent Bhotekoshi floods and devastating effects in downstream settlements killing at least 1,436 people, with 4,655 still missing.

The flood has damaged the properties of billions including several hydropower projects, bridges, school buildings, health facilities and thousands of private houses. 

Unlike the traditional practice for a prime minister’s foreign visit, no elaborate farewell ceremony, red carpet or military guard of honour was held at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

Shah left for Doha on a regular Qatar Airways flight. None of his Cabinet colleagues were present at the airport to see him off.

Shah is scheduled to address the General Debate of the UN General Assembly on September 24, in what will be his first major international engagement since taking office on March 27.

In his address, the prime minister would raise several issues, ranging from Nepal’s Gen-Z revolution and the country’s changing political context to the priorities of the new government.

Most importantly, he would highlight the devastating impact of the Bhotekoshi floods in riverine communities and hydropower projects in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts and Nepal’s call for climate justice and compensation as a low-carbon-emitting nation.

The prime minister is also set to underscore Nepal’s contribution to restoring global peace through its longstanding role in UN peacekeeping operations.

In New York, the prime minister is expected to hold high-level meetings with United Nations officials, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as other leaders and representatives participating in the general assembly.

There is enormous interest in New York’s diplomatic circle after the youngest prime minister of the contemporary world is addressing the general assembly. Besides, the Rastriya Swatantra Party government swept to power from elections held in the backdrop of a Gen Z uprising last year.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal travelled to New York ahead of the prime minister. Other senior government officials are accompanying Shah.

Nepal is expected to use the international forum to highlight issues of particular concern to the country, including climate change, climate-induced disasters, climate justice and the challenges faced by vulnerable and developing countries.

The prime minister is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on September 26. Shah is accompanied by his chief adviser Kumar Banjyankar, Chief of Protocol Kumar Kharel, two security officials, a photographer and a protocol official.

Foreign minister meeting Jaishankar, US officials

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal is meeting with External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar and US Under Secretary of State for political affairs Allison Hooker on the margins of the UN general assembly in New York.

In the meeting, the two foreign ministers will discuss the recent Bhotekoshi devastation, Nepal's reconstruction efforts, possible Indian assistance for the reconstruction bid, and holding meetings of various bilateral mechanisms ahead of the prime minister’s India visit.

Diplomatic sources in New York told the Post that US Under Secretary of State Hooker is likely to announce additional economic and financial assistance to Nepal to support its post-flood recovery efforts.

Besides presidents of the US-India Business Council and the US-Bangladesh Business Council, Atul Keshap, the senior vice president, South Asia, US Chamber of Commerce, is also meeting with Khanal on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Shah will be received at the Hamad International Airport in Doha by Kumar Rai, Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires  to Qatar, and senior officials.

Shah will leave Doha for New York on Wednesday. At the John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, he will be received by Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires to the United States and other officials.

On the same day, Shah will visit Nepal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. There, he will receive briefings on his visit from the foreign secretary, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires to the United States and Nepal’s Consul General in New York, respectively.

On September 24, the prime minister will hold a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Immediately afterwards, Shah will address the UN General Assembly.

On September 25, Prime Minister Shah will leave New York for Doha. He is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu on September 26.