Nepal's Prime Minister Bachen Shah addressed the United Nations (UN) platform and expressed high praise for India. He thanked India and China for the assistance provided to Nepal following recent floods. Furthermore, he presented a proposal to create a new system to combat climate disasters in the Himalayan region.
Bachen Shah emphasized the importance of cooperation between Nepal, India, and China. He suggested strengthening mechanisms for monitoring glacial lakes, sharing satellite data, and timely early warning systems.
Speaking at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Bachen Shah mentioned the flash floods in Nepal. He noted that many countries stood by Nepal during this difficult period. Identifying India and China as neighbors of Nepal, Shah thanked both countries for the aid provided. He stated that India and China provided support promptly and generously, and also expressed gratitude to all other friendly states, UN institutions, humanitarian organizations, and people from around the world who supported the people of Nepal.
Bachen Shah pointed to the constant growth of climate threats in the Himalayan region. In this regard, he proposed creating a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism under the leadership of Nepal, India, and China. This mechanism would allow the three countries to exchange expert knowledge and satellite data. It would also enable the monitoring of dangerous glacial lakes and the strengthening of early warning systems. Moreover, it would improve coordination for cross-border aid and support during natural disasters.
The main reason for close attention to glacial lakes is that the melting of glaciers and the increase in the volume of these lakes in the Himalayan region raise the risk of floods. Climate disasters in Nepal have also caused serious concern in recent years. This is why the Nepalese government is focusing on climate security and early warning systems for natural disasters. Bachen Shah raised the issue of regional cooperation in this area at the UN.
Nepal's Prime Minister Bachen Shah stated that the Himalayas should not remain a zone divided among different countries. Instead, they should become an example of international cooperation. His proposal is for the three neighboring countries to jointly share scientific information and assist each other during disasters. Nepal has previously raised issues of the climate crisis and the problems of the Himalayan region at the UN level. This time, Bachen Shah attempted to link this to regional cooperation. Nepal's main issue at the UNGA was also the need for international assistance to achieve climate justice and combat climate disasters. Shah's proposal came at a time when Nepal was still recovering from devastating floods, so his focus is not only on providing aid but also on preparing for future catastrophes.