Nepal PM to raise climate justice at UN after deadly Himalayan disaster

Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah is heading to the United Nations, where climate justice is expected to feature prominently following deadly flash floods and mudslides along the country’s border with China, the Kathmandu Post reported.

Shah is scheduled to address the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday. The visit is his first international trip since his election and his first major international engagement since taking office on March 27.

Nepal seeks support for disaster recovery

Nepal has said it needs $4.78 billion to rebuild areas devastated by the floods and mudslides. The disasters left at least 1,451 people dead and 5,705 missing, according to the report.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, who is also in New York, called for international assistance to be treated as climate compensation rather than charity.

“Global communities have to come together and this cannot be seen merely as charitable giving, but has to be part of a compensation process as well,” Khanal said.

Foreign minister calls for climate compensation

Khanal described the issue as one of “justice and fairness”, arguing that Nepal has been disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing only a tiny share of global greenhouse gas emissions.