At the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Balendra Shah of Nepal said the global order is broken when it comes to confronting the climate crisis, drawing sustained applause from delegates following his speech. Shah’s remarks underscored a message increasingly voiced by leaders of small and vulnerable states: that international responses have fallen short of what is needed.
Shah told the assembly that current global mechanisms have not delivered effective protection or support for nations facing acute climate risks. His address was met with visible approval in the chamber, where applause followed several of his points.
Nepal, a Himalayan country, has frequently sought attention for the vulnerabilities of mountain and low-income states to climate impacts such as glacial melt and changing precipitation patterns. Shah’s comments at the UN reinforced long-standing concerns from these countries that losses and damages, adaptation needs and equitable support have not been adequately addressed by wealthier, higher-emitting nations.
The prime minister’s speech adds to a chorus of appeals at the General Assembly from leaders urging stronger international cooperation ahead of major climate negotiations. His reception in New York highlighted both the political visibility of the issue and the frustration felt by delegations pressing for more urgent and tangible action from the global community.