World can learn much from Nepal: UN Secretary General

Visiting UN Secretary General António Guterres has said that the world could learn much from Nepal in responding to multiple crises.

Addressing the joint session of the Federal Parliament on Tuesday, Guterres said, "As geopolitical tensions rise, global divisions are becoming deeper and more dangerous. Smaller countries fear becoming collateral damage in competition between great powers. And climate catastrophe is accelerating with deadly force."

According to him, other countries can learn much from Nepal in responding to such crises.

Nepal a promoter of peace, champion of multilateralism

Similarly, he viewed Nepal as a promoter of peace, a champion of multilateralism, and a staunch supporter of sustainable development and climate action.

"Nestled between two great powers, you have forged your own path to safeguard your sovereignty and independence.  And your journey over the past twenty years has been wonderful to see," he said, adding that a new republic with a new Constitution has the UN Charter at its heart.

He lauded Nepal, saying it was quick to embrace the Sustainable Development Goals, and is making progress on many of them. "Your country has successfully calmed the storms of conflict and moved from war to peace. A process the United Nations has been proud to support," he shared.

Nepal's dynamic story of progress continues today, the UN Secretary General viewed, adding that Nepal's graduation from Least Developed Country status is imminent. The UN is committed to supporting a smooth transition, he vowed.