Prime Minister Balendra Shah is leaving Kathmandu for the United States on Tuesday to lead Nepal’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Shah is scheduled to address the General Debate of the UN General Assembly on September 24. His visit runs from September 22 to 26 and marks his first foreign trip since becoming prime minister in March.

Shah to address UN General Debate

According to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shah will represent Nepal during the high-level week of the 81st General Assembly. He is also scheduled to meet United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres during his stay in New York.

The General Debate is being held from September 22 to 26 and on September 28 under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The annual gathering brings together heads of state, government leaders and other senior representatives from UN member states.

Nepal’s delegation and US visit

The Nepali delegation includes Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Chief Adviser to the Prime Minister Kumar Byanjankar, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other senior government officials.

Foreign Minister Khanal travelled to New York ahead of the prime minister on September 20 for ministerial-level engagements, side events and bilateral meetings.

Shah is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on September 26.

Climate and reconstruction expected to feature

The prime minister’s visit comes less than a month after the devastating August 26 floods and related disasters in Nepal’s Himalayan region.

Nepal has been seeking international support for recovery and reconstruction while highlighting the country’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Recent government statements and reporting indicate that climate change, climate justice, access to climate finance and reconstruction are among the issues Nepal intends to raise internationally.

The government has also indicated that Nepal wants greater international cooperation on technology transfer and support for disaster resilience.

First foreign visit as prime minister

The New York trip is Shah’s first foreign visit since assuming office. His decision to attend the UN General Assembly followed an earlier plan for Foreign Minister Khanal to lead Nepal’s delegation.

The United Nations says the 81st General Assembly’s high-level week is bringing world leaders together to discuss global challenges, including peace, sustainable development and climate action.

For Nepal, the visit provides an opportunity to present its priorities directly at the multilateral forum while seeking international engagement on the country’s disaster recovery and longer-term climate resilience.