NEW YORK, Sept 30: Nepal's UN Ambassador, Lok Bahadur Thapa, has stressed the importance of domestic reforms in Nepal and the urgent need for international solidarity to address global crises. In his address to the annual UN General Assembly, he highlighted both the challenges and achievements Nepal has faced recently, calling for enhanced multilateral action.
Ambassador Thapa opened by noting the youth-led political movement earlier this month – the “Gen-Z protests” – which demanded transparent governance, equal opportunities across Nepali society, and an end to corruption.
“Their aspirations are for nothing less than a fair, just, and prosperous Nepal,” he said, while also lamenting the violence that claimed lives and damaged public infrastructure during the demonstrations.
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He emphasized the important political milestones that followed the transformational protests, such as the appointment of Nepal's first female Prime Minister and the upcoming general elections scheduled for March 2026. Thapa described these developments as essential steps toward consolidating democracy, rebuilding institutions, and restoring public trust.
Ambassador Thapa highlighted several pressing global issues, including the rise in military spending, unfulfilled commitments to sustainable development, and the escalating climate crisis. He emphasized that multilateral institutions, such as the UN, must be revitalized to effectively address these challenges.
He also discussed ongoing crises around the world, such as the war in Ukraine and conflicts in Sudan and the Sahel. Thapa pointed out the significant toll these conflicts have taken on civilians in Gaza and called for the immediate release of all hostages, including a Nepali student who was captured by Hamas during the attacks in Israel on October 7.
Thapa also called for accelerated progress toward the 2030 Agenda and ambitious climate action, emphasising emissions reduction and scaling up renewable energy.
Emphasizing the importance of fair global representation in international financial institutions and the Security Council, he urged them to be more inclusive, transparent, and accountable.
He recalled that the UN has served for 80 years as a beacon of peace, justice, human rights, and development. Ambassador Thapa concluded with a plea for collective responsibility.
“When the United Nations succeeds, humanity as a whole succeeds. When it falters, it is the innocent and the vulnerable who bear the heaviest cost. Let us stand together, united and determined, to ensure enduring peace and prosperity in the world.”
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