Participation of Nepali Delegation in UNGA81 (Day 2)

Press Release

Day 2

In continuing his diplomatic engagements, Honourable Foreign Minister Mr. Shisir Khanal attended the Opening of the General Debate of the 81st Session of the General Assembly under the theme of “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All” at the UN Headquarters today.

The General Debate was opened by the President of the General Assembly His Excellency Dr. Khalilur Rahman. His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, addressed the ceremony, followed by Heads of delegations of UN Member States.

Rt. Hon. Prime Minister and the leader of a Nepali delegation Mr. Balendra Shah is scheduled to address the General Assembly on 24 September 2026.

Earlier in the afternoon, Hon. Foreign Minister addressed the High-Level Ministerial Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries and Friends, convened by the Government of India under the theme “Navigating Together Towards a Brighter Future–The Compelling Case for an Empowered Global South”. The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of solidarity, cooperation and collective action among countries of the Global South in addressing shared global challenges and advancing common priorities. He further underscored the transformative potential of Global South and called for collective resolve, stronger South-South Cooperation and a more equitable and representative global governance architecture.

In a separate bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. S Jaishankar, Minister for External Affairs of India, the Foreign Minister expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of India for their solidarity and immediate critical support in the aftermath of the recent catastrophic floods in Nepal. The two Ministers also discussed matters of common interests and underscored the need to enhance development cooperation while strengthening close, longstanding ties between Nepal and India.  

The Foreign Minister also held bilateral meetings with H.E. Juraj Blanár, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic; H.E. Iruthisham Adam, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives and exchanged views on further consolidating bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including at the UN.

Her Excellency Ms. Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States called on Foreign Minister Mr. Khanal and discussed several issues of common interest including deepening Nepal-US relations, relief and reconstruction following the recent climate-induced Bhotekoshi floods and continued US support for Nepal’s recovery efforts.

Likewise, Hon. Foreign Minister also held a productive meeting with Mr. Atul Keshap, Senior Vice-President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and discussed pertinent issues, focusing on expanding investment opportunities, enhancing economic ties, and strengthening business partnerships between Nepal and the United States.

In yet another significant milestone, Foreign Minister Mr. Khanal and Hon. Dennis Cornwall, Minister for Finance of the Government of Grenada, signed a Joint Communiqué, formally establishing diplomatic relations between Nepal and Grenada, today. Prior to a brief signing ceremony held at the Mission, the two Ministers exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest and underscored the importance of accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing the impacts of climate change and sharing best practices in areas such as tourism, education, and other fields of mutual benefits. With this, Nepal’s diplomatic outreach has expanded to 186 countries.

In the evening, the Foreign Minister also attended a reception hosted by the President of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. Donald J Trump in honour of the Heads of Delegations of UN Member States, participating in the UNGA81.

Addressing the High-Level Discussion on “Beyond 2030: Renewing the Global Commitment to End Poverty in All its Dimensions”, Foreign Secretary Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai called for climate-resilient development, climate justice, closing financing and technology gaps, and delivering tangible results on global development commitments including the 2030 Agenda and the Pact for the Future.

Foreign Secretary Mr. Rai held a fruitful meeting with Mr. Dulguun Damdin-Od, Executive Director of the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries (ITTLLDC) and discussed ITTLLDC’s work on advancing the shared interests of LLDCs, including connectivity and aviation, climate change, critical minerals, youth engagement, and effective implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action.

Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN

New York

22 September 2026