PM Shah to champion climate justice at UNGA

Kathmandu, Sept. 11

Prime Minister Balendra Shah is set to draw the international community’s attention to the loss of lives and property Nepal has repeatedly suffered from climate change and climate-induced disasters.

He will call for climate justice, including immediate and appropriate compensation through mechanisms such as the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), while highlighting that Nepal is experiencing the adverse impacts of climate change despite its negligible carbon emissions.

PM Shah is leading a high-level Nepali delegation to the High-Level General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly scheduled in New York for 22-28 September. He is scheduled to address the General Debate on 24 September, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai informed during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Friday.

This will be the first maiden foreign trip of PM Shah. He will stay in New York for five days – from 22 to 26 September.

"The Prime Minister will also appeal to developed and wealthy countries to provide accessible and concessional technology and climate finance to Nepal for building climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting climate-smart agriculture and strengthening the capacity of stakeholders," he said.

PM Shah will raise several issues at the General Assembly but his focus would be on climate change and its repercussions on the Himalayas and Nepali people who have recently experienced devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River that killed 1385 while leaving more than 5000 unaccounted for.

According to the Rapid Disaster and Needs Assessment (RDNA) conducted by the National Planning Commission and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, about Rs. 723.31 billion will be required for reconstruction of the structures and infrastructures damaged by the devastating floods.

About 75 per cent (Rs. 473.57 billion) of the total recovery needs, will be required to restore the infrastructure sector, which suffered the largest impact from the disaster. Houses, farm lands, hydropower projects, roads and motorable and suspension bridges, businesses and industries have swept away in the floods or damaged by it.

The Prime Minister is also expected to highlight Nepal’s contribution to global environmental protection through nature-friendly lifestyles, forests covering more than 46 per cent of its territory, the Himalayan region and extensive river systems.

"The disaster has further highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to the climate crisis. Although Nepal makes a negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, countries such as Nepal continue to bear a disproportionate share of the adverse impacts of climate change," said Rai.

During the UNGA, Nepal will organise a side event titled 'Sagarmatha to the Sea: A Call to Action for a Climate-Resilient Future'. According to Rai, the event will discuss the adverse impacts of global climate change, particularly in the Himalayan region, and the resulting disasters, with the aim of drawing international attention to the issue.

 

FM Khanal to have sideline meetings

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal will participate in ministerial meetings of the Least Developed Countries (LDC), Landlocked Developing Countries, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77 and China. He will also address other high-level discussions and side events organised by the United Nations.

The foreign minister will hold meetings with counterparts from neighbouring and other friendly countries, as well as senior UN officials.

The MoFA said that PM Shah is leading a small delegation that will include Foreign Minister Khanal, Prime Minister’s Chief Adviser Kumar Byanjankar, Foreign Secretary Rai and other senior government officials.

The theme of this year’s General Assembly is 'Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All'. Heads of state from 81 countries and heads of government from 50 countries, including Nepal, are scheduled to participate in the General Assembly.

"The General Assembly will provide Nepal an opportunity to call at the highest level for continued and increased international support and goodwill towards Nepal," said Rai.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 September 2026.    

Acting US Ambassador Boldin meets Khanal

Kathmandu, Sept. 11

Newly appointed Acting US Ambassador to Nepal Megan Boldin has paid a courtesy call on FM Khanal.

During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singha Durbar on Friday, Boldin expressed condolences to those affected by and those who lost their lives in the recent Bhotekoshi floods. She said the US Government stood in solidarity with the government and people of Nepal during the difficult period.

According to the Secretariat of FM Khanal, Boldin said the US Government was ready to provide support and assistance to Nepal’s relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts following the floods.

Likewise, FM Khanal expressed confidence that the US assistance would continue from the relief and rehabilitation phase through to reconstruction.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 September 2026.    

Foreign Minister stresses regional cooperation for biodiversity conservation

Kathmandu, Sept. 11

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation for wildlife and biodiversity conservation in South Asia.

Addressing a reception of the first General Assembly of the South Asia Wildlife Crime Control Network (SAWCCN) held in Kathmandu on Friday, he said effective coordination and information sharing among relevant agencies of member countries were necessary to combat cross-border wildlife crime.

"Illegal wildlife trade had emerged as a growing challenge to international security. Effective coordination among wildlife conservation agencies, customs authorities, police, investigators and judicial institutions is necessary to control it," said FM Khanal.

According to him, the Network demonstrates the capacity to unite under South Asia’s shared moral responsibility and protect common natural heritage here.

Noting that South Asian countries are interconnected by geography, ecology and history, he said mountain ranges, river systems, forests, wetlands and wildlife that move across borders constitute shared natural heritage. He said collective and coordinated efforts were necessary to protect these resources.

Likewise, FM Khanal also stated that Nepal had consistently prioritised regional cooperation and that multilateral partnerships based on practical cooperation, mutual trust and tangible results for people would remain effective in the long term.

“Nepal is proud to host the secretariat of the South Asia Wildlife Crime Control Network in Kathmandu,” he said. “We view this not merely as an administrative responsibility but as a long-term commitment to strengthening an institution jointly owned by all member states.”

The Minister said that political commitment, strong legal frameworks, effective enforcement and active community participation were necessary for wildlife and biodiversity conservation. He also stressed that conservation achievements made at the national level should be reinforced through cross-border cooperation.

FM Khanal said biodiversity conservation, environmental integrity and the control of organised crime were increasingly linked to modern diplomacy. Protecting natural resources, he said, was an important foundation for building a secure, prosperous and environmentally resilient South Asia. He also pledged continued support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Nepal as an active partner in these efforts.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent Bhotekoshi disaster, Khanal said its severity was far beyond that of an ordinary flood and described it as a “Himalayan tsunami”. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

He also thanked friendly countries and partners for expressing solidarity with Nepal during the disaster.

Khanal said the first General Assembly of the network had opened a new chapter in its institutional development and expressed confidence that it would further strengthen friendship, trust and partnership among member states.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 September 2026.  

Financial, material aid pouring in

Kathmandu, Sept. 11

Indian pharmaceutical company USV Pharma has provided Rs. 15 million in relief assistance to victims of the Bhote Koshi floods in Nepal.

The company made the donation to the relief campaign of the Nepal Medical Association (NMA). A cooperation agreement was signed between USV Pharma and the NMA at the NMA office in Bagbazaar on Thursday. USV Chief International Business Officer Mahidhwaj S. Sisodia handed over the donation letter to NMA President Dr. Badri Rijal.

The NMA said that it will use the funds to purchase and distribute temporary shelters, blankets and bedding, solar lights, power banks, tents and other essential supplies in the affected areas.

Around 1,500 people from approximately 300 households in the affected areas are supposed to get benefit from the relief campaign.

Sisodia said the company decided to support flood victims as part of its corporate social responsibility. “We have been doing pharmaceutical business in Nepal for three decades. Nepal has now faced an unexpected and major disaster. As part of our corporate social responsibility, our company decided to provide this assistance through the NMA” he said.

Nepali diaspora contributes Rs. 5.1 M

Likewise, United Nepali Diaspora has donated Rs. 5.1 million to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF).

A delegation from the Diaspora, led by its president Sonam Lama, handed over a cheque for the amount to Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Friday.

On the occasion, Minister Khanal thanked the organisation for contributing to disaster relief efforts in Nepal despite being based abroad. He also said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in the process of amending laws concerning non-resident Nepalis to facilitate their travel to and from Nepal, property transactions and other practical activities.

China's fifth batch of relief supplies arrive

Meanwhile, the fifth batch of China-aid emergency relief supplies arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Friday.

Nepal, aboard a Y-20A large transport aircraft of the PLA Air Force of China.
Zhang Maoming, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Mahabir Pun, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, attended the handover ceremony for the relief supplies brought by a large transport aircraft of the PLA Air Force of China.

"As disaster relief efforts continue to advance, this batch of relief supplies, closely tailored to Nepal's most urgent needs, mainly includes diesel generators, medical protective masks, mortuary freezers, DNA testing equipment and reagents, and water rescue equipment," the Embassy of China informed in a statement, adding that these supplies will provide strong support for Nepal to efficiently carry out its follow-up operations.

Pubg Mobile offers basic items

Similarly, Pubg Mobile Nepal has provided a range of essential materials, including food supplies, blankets, solar emergency lights, and hygiene products to Galchhi Rural Municipality.

The local body will coordinate the further distribution of the supplies to flood-affected communities in Nuwakot and Rasuwa.

Xiaomi Nepal has also extended financial assistance of Rs. 2 million for the relief, rescue and rehabilitation of people.

The company said that the contribution reflects its belief that standing with affected communities during such difficult times is a shared responsibility, and that the gesture is part of the company's broader humanitarian commitment.

Israel continues humanitarian assistance

Meanwhile, the Embassy of Israel in Nepal said that it has continued its emergency humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the devastating floods in Ward no. 2, Trishuli, Bidur Municipality, Nuwakot.

Janan Bebar, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy, visited the affected area and handed over Emergency Go-Bags and boxes containing essential supplies to support individuals and families affected by the floods.

 “The pain was very real, but so was the human strength and the solidarity. I believe that is something Nepal can be very proud of. This continued assistance reflects our commitment to supporting communities as they recover from the impact of the floods,” she said.

This assistance marks the second phase of the Embassy’s relief-response, following its initial support to communities affected by the floods, in Ward No. 6, Baireni, Galchhi Rural Municipality, Dhading. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 September 2026.   

Passport applicants asked to receive services on appointment times

Kathmandu, Sept. 9

The Department of Passports (DoP) has urged the passport applicants to visit the department and receive services only on the date and at the time specified on their application forms.

Stating that there has been a significant rise again in the number of people applying for passports, of late, it made the appeal to all applicants to follow the prescribed procedures and appointment times.

According to the DoP, it will help manage the increasing number of passport applicants and ensure smooth service delivery.

The department said it has been providing passport services continuously to the general public since the introduction of the new passport system.

Likewise, it urged applicants not to rush the process, noting that the deadline for applying for employment opportunities in Israel in the Middle East is October 12.

According to a notice published in the Nepal Gazette in July this year, citizens from any district can now apply for a passport locally.

"So, except in urgent cases, all are requested to submit their passport applications at the nearest District Administration Office or Area Administration Office," read a statement from the DoP. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 September 2026.   

Nepal Telecom, Ncell restoring services in flood-hit areas

Kathmandu, Sept. 9

Nepal Telecom and Ncell are expanding their service to the areas in Nuwakot and Rasuwa where telephone and internet network is severely disrupted by the floods.

Nepal Telecom has completed the first phase of network restoration in Rasuwagadhi, Betrawati and Trishuli areas. The fibre optic network was severely damaged by the floods on August 26.

According to the company, the flooding swept away two OLTs, one each in Rasuwagadhi and Betrawati, as well as five FDCs - one in Rasuwagadhi, one in Betrawati and three in Trishuli.

Around 128 kilometres of aerial optical fibre cable was also washed away, completely disrupting a total of 1,544 FTTH lines in the affected areas.

"Immediately after the disaster, Nepal Telecom mobilised technical personnel and resources and stepped-up repair work. So far, 1,093 of the affected lines have been restored, marking the completion of the first phase of service restoration," said the company.

The remaining lines will be brought back into operation gradually, based on the geographical and settlement conditions of the respective areas, technical feasibility and customer demand, the company said.

Likewise, Ncell is providing satellite connectivity in the hardest-hit areas of the Bhotekoshi Floods, supporting to stay connected when every call and message matters for rescue, relief and accessing critical information.

"Through this Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-powered connectivity solution from Eutelsat, Ncell is deploying devices at critical and essential locations identified in coordination with concerned government agencies involved in rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts," the company said in a statement. The solution provides satellite internet even when normal communication networks are down.

The facility will provide free connectivity at flood-affected communities, holding and relief centres, temporary camps, emergency response locations and other areas where terrestrial connectivity is unavailable or severely disrupted.

As of Tuesday, the solution had been installed at three crucial locations in Nuwakot and is being deployed in other flood-affected areas.

The satellite delivers the internet signal directly to a satellite-connected device on the ground. The device then provides Wi-Fi connectivity in the surrounding area, helping people stay connected when regular internet or mobile networks are unavailable.

Ncell has already acquired necessary approvals from the government agencies including the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) for this service.

“This will ensure the availability of satellite-powered internet services to support rescue and relief efforts and help affected communities stay connected during this difficult time,” said Dilli Ram Shrestha, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer of Ncell.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 September 2026.   

Sri Lanka extends Rs. 151 m support to Nepal

 Kathmandu, Sept. 9

Sri Lanka has provided financial assistance of US$1 million (Rs. 151 million) to support Nepal in the aftermath of the recent devastating floods.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal Ruwanthi Delpitiya handed over the assistance to Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal during her courtesy call on Wednesday.  

During the meeting, Ambassador Delpitiya conveyed Sri Lanka’s solidarity with the government and people of Nepal, the Foreign Minister's Secretariat informed in a statement.

On the occasion, FM Khanal said Sri Lanka’s support reflected the deep friendship, mutual assistance and cooperation between Nepal and Sri Lanka. On behalf of the Government of Nepal, he also thanked Sri Lanka for the goodwill and support it had extended during the time of disaster.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 September 2026.