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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is in New York to attend the 79th UN General Assembly, attended a reception hosted by US President Joe Biden.

Prime Minister Oli joined the Heads of State and Government of different countries participating in the UNGA at the reception held at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York.

Alice Albright, the CEO of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Oli, who is in New York attending the 79th UN General Assembly, various matters of bilateral interests between Nepal and the US, and MCC projects in Nepal were discussed.

"We look forward to early completion of the project for high quality connectivity through transmission lines and highways," the PM has posted on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account following the meeting.

Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, among others were also present during the meeting.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called for adoption of an integrated approach, a ‘Mountain to Sea’ initiative in our climate actions, recognizing the inherent connections between this ecosystem.

"Their coverage should span from Everest to the Indian Ocean, from the Pamirs to the Pacific, and from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, recognizing environmental and ecological inter-linkages."

In his statement at the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA) on the theme "Addressing the Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise" earlier today, Prime Minister Oli said we must take bold, decisive actions to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C. "This is not just a number—it is the threshold for survival."

Even 1.5°C is too hot for the Himalayas, as ICIMOD states, because the elevation-dependent warming will amplify its impacts equal to a 2 degree-increase. The Himalayas and other high mountains are natural refrigerators and recharge systems, cooling all the air blowing through them and recharging the river systems downstream.

Calling for collective global effort to tackle rising sea levels, to build resilience in our nations, and to adapt to the changes, he said hand-in-hand, we must control release of pollutants that generate acidic clouds and other effects as the pristine glaciers are turning into the depository of various contaminants.  "Most importantly, we must deliver climate justice. Wealthy nations must lead from the front to support vulnerable countries."

Prime Minister Oli also called upon the UN General Assembly to convene a high-level meeting next year, dedicated to addressing the existential threats posed by climate change to both mountain nations and island states.

As global warming threatens the ecosystem between mountains and seas, mountain nations like Nepal and the coastal nations including the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will turn into its conjoined victims, he said, "For the SIDS and other coastal nations there is a direct threat to their existence as by 2100 the coastal regions are likely to submerge with nearly two and a half meters in seawater." 

Representing the nation of Mt. Everest and the mighty Himalayas, also known as the ‘Third Pole’, I propose to start our deliberations keeping in mind a long connecting chain—the melting of ice and glaciers in mountains and polar regions that ultimately results in sea level rise (SLR).

"Our actions to prevent the SLR are integral to what we do to stop alarming loss of ice and snow from the mountains, to stop avalanches and glacial lake outbursts", he added.

A set of dry but dreadful figures illustrate the ecosystem from mountain to sea, which includes the contribution of glacier melt to the sea level rise, the amount of ice Nepal lost in just over three decades and the estimated loss of the Himalayan glaciers by 2100 A. D. under the current level of emissions.

For the billions dependent on snow-and ice-fed rivers, this will mean the drying of their lifeblood, and ultimately decimation of river-based civilizations, Oli said, "Because when two-thirds of the Himalayan glaciers are gone, Asia’s at least 10 river systems will also dry."

During his statement, Prime Minister Oli also urged to stop reckless burning of fossil fuel in the name of development to save our planet for future generations to come.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the disparity in health services between developed and underdeveloped countries should be ended.

As a result of this disparity, it has been challenging for underdeveloped countries to provide equal health services for all.

Addressing a program organized by Mount Sinai Hospital and AMPATH Nepal in New York today, Prime Minister Oli, who is in New York to attend the 79th UN General Assembly, said that despite the vast improvements in science and technology underdeveloped countries are facing challenges in the field of health infrastructure. "There is disparity in health care and infrastructure between rich and poor countries. Due to financial constraints, the people of poor countries are not able to get easy and quality healthcare services", he said,

The Government of Nepal is working with the goal of providing basic healthcare services to all by according top priority to the health sector. We look forward to international cooperation and partnership towards this end.

Prime Minister Oli said that the Healthy Nepal campaign has been conducted to prevent people from falling sick rather than treating them after they fall ill, and said that the campaign is part of the national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli also pointed out to the fact that before the development of modern medicine in the world the ancestors of Nepal developed traditional and Ayurvedic treatment methods, which are still in use today.

Nepal has made significant improvements in the health sector including bringing down the maternal and child mortality rate but due to inadequacy of resources the health infrastructure has not been developed as much as expected. "Despite gradual improvement in Nepal's health sector with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, the partnership of the international community is necessary for modern and infrastructure-equipped health services", he said, "I would like to thank Mount Sinai Hospital for its collaboration with Kathmandu University and Dhulikhel Hospital in training, research and resource mobilization to support Nepal's health sector,” Oli said.

Also speaking at the program, Research Director of Dhulikhel Hospital, Dr Rajeev Shrestha, shared with more than 70 percent of deaths in Nepal caused by non-communicable diseases, AMPATH is working to enhance specialist services in the treatment of diseases related to heart, kidney and of cancer.

The AMPATH Consortium is a network of academic health centers that aims to foster long-term, equitable and cross-cultural partnerships with host health centers and universities that serve populations with significant unmet needs. Each institution brings their own perspective and provides its own opportunities for medical trainee exchange programs and hands-on education, in the U.S., Canada and across the globe, according to AMPATH Nepal website.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) leading a Nepali delegation, held a meeting with Samoa's Prime Minister Faime Naomi Matafa on Tuesday.

They held the sideline meeting at the office of the permanent mission of Samoa to the UN in New York.

PM Oli's chief advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, foreign secretary Sewa Lamsal and permanent representative of Nepal to the UN Lok Bahadur Thapa among others were also present in the meeting.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) leading a Nepali delegation, held a meeting with Finland's President, Alexander Stubb on Tuesday.

The two leaders had a meeting at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York.

PM Oli's chief advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, foreign secretary Sewa Lamsal and permanent representative of Nepal to the UN Lok Bahadur Thapa among others were also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has pledged to open the Consulate General of Nepal in the western region of the US, California, soon.

Prime Minister Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, leading a Nepali delegation, made the commitment responding to the demand for the same by various organizations of the Nepali community.

There are around 100,000 Nepalis residing in the State. The Nepali Public Relations Committee, Nepali Association of Northern California and other organizations had called for the opening of a consulate office in San Francisco, California reasoning that it has been inconvenient for them to access the service by reaching New York or Washington DC, where the Consulate General of Nepal is currently located.

They have urged for the establishment of a consulate general office in the region as it would address the problems facing the Nepali community for the services, including passport renewal, to a great extent. 

Noting that he was positive to the demand, PM Oli assured that the government would take a decision in this regard soon. "We have already planned to open a Consulate General of Nepal in California soon", he said.

California State is a hub of science and technology as well as Silicon Valley, so Nepal and Nepalis can reap benefits from it, the demand paper stated.

The Committee also called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba to draw her attention to the same issue and extended an invitation to visit California.

The Nepali Diaspora representatives had also expressed their interest before the PM that Nepalis living abroad would also play a role for the country's prosperity and development. 

They also discussed with the PM about the issue of dual citizenship and its proper address through amendment to the constitutional provisions. Prime Minister Oli showed concern over disputes within the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA).

Prime Minister Oli urged all to work with the belief that a one-time Nepali would be a Nepali forever while hinting provision such as nullifying the abroad citizenship for exercising political rights in the country could be made,

In responding to queries from the participants in the political context, PM Oli said there would be no amendments to the constitution on issues such as democratic values, federalism, protection of republican system and sovereignty of the country.

He said that the constitution amendment issue would take the shape of consensus among the parties.

Meanwhile, different Nepali community organizations called on PM Oli and demanded the opening of Nepali Consulate General office in Texas. Likewise, Nepali community representatives based in Canada also urged the PM to take initiative for the establishment of the Canadian Embassy in Nepal.  

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the Nepali youths living abroad to return home and create employment opportunities.

Prime Minister Oli, who is leading a Nepali delegation to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, said this at the World Leaders Forum organized by Columbia University on Monday.

He clarified that the national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali' has been put forward to eradicate poverty and ensure the right of all to live with dignity.

Speaking as the keynote speaker at a dialogue on 'Nepal's Journey of Democracy and Economic Development', he said there is only the data of students and youths who have gone abroad from Nepal but not that of returnees.

Noting that the government has brought out programs such as small-scale industries and 'startups' for employment opportunities, PM Oli urged the youths to unite in nation-building as he was clear that the country could not transform without the youth. 

"Nepal's economic situation is not very weak. On the contrary, I see a lot of potential for its prosperity, which we will be able to achieve within a short time if we work hard", he said, adding, "We are a rising democracy. We are also neighbors of economic powers like India and China. In that sense, Nepal is in a position to become a multi-dimensional economy for economic development".

Saying that he was leading a government with two major parliamentary parties that had played a decisive role in Nepal's democratic movement, PM Oli said he had a resolution to maintain good governance and transparency.

"We have no other intention but to make Nepalis prosperous and happy. We are fully committed to the journey of prosperity", the PM shared.

Addressing the 'Lead Free Future: Partnership Launch and Pledging Event' organized by USAID and UNICEF, PM Oli expressed solidarity with the lead-free campaign. He said that Nepal has already understood that the use of lead has affected the health of children.

He clarified that Nepal has been implementing the policy of freeing lead from its use with the understanding that it has affected the health of children and recently brought a bill related to food security in the parliament.

US President Joe Biden's wife Dr Jill Biden, the President of Dominica, the President of Malawi, among others, also spoke on the occasion.  

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held a meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Sunday.

Matters related to Nepal-India bilateral interests and mutual benefits were discussed on the occasion.

The meeting was also attended by the foreign ministers of both the countries and members of the delegations.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Office of the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN in New York today.

PM Oli is currently in New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly, leading the Nepali delegation.

On the occasion, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Türk, expressed his happiness over the endorsement of the legislations related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Disappeared Persons, the two laws connected to finalization of the peace process in Nepal.

In the meeting, Türk stated that this topic of political consensus in Nepal could be a model for the world, according to Bishnu Prasad Rimal, the Principal Advisor to PM Oli, who was present during the meeting.

Similarly, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights agreed that climate justice is inevitable to Nepal, as the melting of snow in the mountains of Nepal due to global warming will affect the world.

Prime Minister Oli stressed on giving equal and strategic value to climate justice issues for protecting the human race in the world.

PM's Principal Advisor Rimal, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, and Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa were present during the meeting.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed the 'Summit of the Future' session of the 79th United Nations General Assembly on Sunday.

PM Oli is currently in New York, leading the Nepali delegation to the 79th UN General Assembly.

On the occasion, PM Oli underscored on industrialization and increasing the production for combating poverty which remains as the common challenge of the Group of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

PM Oli stated that the LDCs have been adversely affected by emission of greenhouse gasses by developed countries and urged the latter to invest more in climate financing.

Noting that hundreds of thousands of children are deprived of their rights to food and education due to poverty, he stressed on concerted efforts for poverty alleviation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, PM's Principal Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, and Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN Lok Bahadur Thapa among others attended the Session.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that Nepal is clear in its view that carbon emitting countries should compensate the non-emitting countries.

Prime Minister Oli, who is in New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), leading the Nepali delegation, said this while addressing as the keynote speaker at a program on Parliamentarians for Fossil Fuel Free, on Saturday.

Stating that Nepal has helped reduce the climate change impact through zero carbon emission, he stressed on compensating the communities suffering from climate change impact due to the emissions by the developed countries. He presented the case of the snow melting in the Nepal Himalayas, including Sagarmatha (Mt Everest).

PM Oli called on the developed countries of the world to increase funding for future climate adaptation as established by the Paris Agreement. "Our future is bright because we are investing for the future," he said.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres held a meeting on Saturday.

Prime Minister Oli, who is in New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly, met with UN Secretary General Guterres at the United Nations Building.

During the meeting, they shared opinions on the need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

On the occasion, Secretary General Guterres expressed his commitment to lobby with the international community for compensating Nepal for the impact it has been having including melting of its mountains due to climate change. He also emphasized that sufficient climate finance should be provided to mountainous countries like Nepal, while working on radical reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Recalling his visit to Nepal last year, Secretary General Guterres emphasized the need for intensive reform in the global order with a focus on reducing and preventing carbon emissions that have been impacting developing countries, including least developed countries like Nepal, according to Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa, who also attended the meeting.

Assuring that the United Nations will take initiatives for simplified access of the developing countries to advanced financial assistance, the UN Secretary General also highly praised the performance of the Nepali security personnel in the UN peacekeeping missions.

In response, Prime Minister Oli expressed his gratitude to the UN Secretary General for visiting Nepal while urging him to take the initiative to deliver climate justice to Nepal. He also requested to provide leadership positions to Nepal in the UN peacekeeping force, considering its notable contribution to maintaining international peace and security.

The Prime Minister also thanked the United Nations and the international community for their concern in the recent avalanche in the Khumbu region of Nepal and shared that Nepal will soon host the Sagarmatha Dialogue on the agenda of the Himalayan ecosystem. He also invited the UN Secretary General Guterres to join the dialogue.

Foreign Minister Arju Rana Deuba, Prime Minister's Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amrit Bahadur Rai were also present in the meeting.

Earlier today, UN High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, called on Prime Minister Oli at the office of the Nepali Mission.

During the meeting, matters relating to enhancing Nepal-UN cooperation including the promotion of LDCs’ interests in multilateral fora were discussed.

Leading a Nepali delegation, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli left for New York to take part in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Prime Minister will address the UNGA on September 26.

The theme for the 79th UNGA General Debates is "Leaving No One Behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations."

Prime Minister Oli will attend the Opening Session of the General Debate of the 79th UNGA on September 24 and the reception to be hosted by the President of the United States, Joseph Robinette Biden on September 25, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While in New York, the Prime Minister will address the Summit of the Future as the Chair of the Global Coordination Bureau of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

He will also address the High-Level Plenary Meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats posed by Sea-Level Rise and the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), among others.

On September 23, Prime Minister Oli will deliver a keynote address on 'Nepal's Journey to Democracy and Economic Prosperity' at Columbia University. In addition, he will speak at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at Harvard University, on "Nepal's Prospective: From Transitional Justice to Climate Justice' on September 27.

Similarly, the Prime Minister will have a meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres and is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings in the margins of the UNGA, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Prime Minister Oli was accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and other senior officials.

He will return to Kathmandu on September 30.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is leaving for the UN Headquarters in New York, leading a Nepali delegation to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Prime Minister will address the UNGA on September 26.

The theme for the 79th UNGA General Debates is "Leaving No One Behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations." 

 Prime Minister Oli will attend the Opening Session of the General Debate of the 79th UNGA on September 24 and the reception to be hosted by the President of the United States, Joseph Robinette Biden on September 25, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While in New York, the Prime Minister will address the Summit of the Future as the Chair of the Global Coordination Bureau of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

He will also address the High-Level Plenary Meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats posed by Sea-Level Rise and the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), among others.

On September 23, Prime Minister Oli will deliver a keynote address on 'Nepal's Journey to Democracy and Economic Prosperity' at Columbia University. In addition, he will speak at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at Harvard University, on "Nepal's Prospective: From Transitional Justice to Climate Justice' on September 27.

Similarly, the Prime Minister will have a meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres and is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings in the margins of the UNGA, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Prime Minister Oli will be accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and other senior officials.

He will return to Kathmandu on September 30.

This week, the KP Sharma Oli-led government unveiled its ‘policy commitment’ paper, two months after the formation of a coalition government consisting of the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and other smaller parties. The key focus areas of the document include foreign policy priorities, constitution implementation and amendment, good governance, quality public services, economic development, implementation of fundamental rights, and transitional justice issues.

The document is intended to provide clear policy guidelines for the government’s functioning. While it doesn’t present any new foreign policy strategies, it emphasizes attracting more foreign investment and assistance based on Nepal’s development needs. It also highlights resolving bilateral issues with neighboring countries through diplomatic channels and fostering good relations. Prime Minister Oli is due to address the 79th UN General Assembly, where he is expected to discuss these foreign policy priorities.

Regarding constitutional amendments, the document aims to further strengthen the political system and preserve the achievements of the 2006 political movement. This comes amid concerns that the NC and UML may seek to remove certain progressive provisions. The ruling parties have pledged to consult all stakeholders before proceeding with any amendments. In conjunction with Constitution Day, celebrated on Sept 19 (Thursday), leaders reiterated their commitment to upholding the constitution. 

On the occasion of Constitution Day, Nepal also received congratulatory messages from the international community. US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken expressed pride in the US-Nepal collaboration to strengthen ties, promote economic growth through the debt-free partnership with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and support climate resilience and clean energy efforts. Blinken’s mention of a “debt-free partnership” appeared to subtly reference China’s involvement in Nepal.

In another story this week, a parliamentary probe committee investigating fraud in the cooperative sector submitted its report to Parliament, which has asked the government to take necessary actions. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) claims that its leader Rabi Lamichhane was cleared of allegations of cooperative fraud. However, others argue the report suggests the government should take action against Lamichhane for his role in the misuse of cooperative funds when he was the director of Gorkha Media. Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba thanked Gagan Kumar Thapa, the party’s general secretary, for raising Lamichanne’s issues in Parliament stating that Lamichhane’s involvement has been verified. But RSP senior leaders are bent on creating a narrative that Lamichhane was not involved in the case. It is yet to be seen how the government takes action. Despite Lamichhane dominating the headlines, the broader issues raised in the report have received less attention. Meanwhile, the RSP is preparing to hold its first general convention to elect new leadership next year.

This week, the Constitutional Council recommended Justice Prakash Man Singh Rawat as the new Chief Justice, following the retirement of the current judiciary head this month. Rawat will serve for 18 months. 

In politics this week, the ruling UML made strategic decisions to strengthen its organization, including a plan to expand its active membership to one million, which would constitute six percent of the electorate. UML plans to emerge as the largest political party in the 2027 national elections. In the process, the party also plans to enhance its social media presence and to counter what it calls ‘false propaganda’.

Inside the NC, there appears to be a growing cordiality between party President Deuba and General Secretary Thapa. Despite efforts by senior leaders like Shekhar Koirala and Bishwa Prakash Sharma to prevent Deuba from becoming prime minister once again, Thapa publicly stated this week that Deuba would lead the government after two years, following a power transfer from Oli. There are rumors within the party that Deuba may support Thapa’s bid for party president in the upcoming general convention.

The relevance of provincial structures became a hot topic of public discourse this week, with some leaders calling for their abolition. Minister for Information and Technology Prithvi Subba and a section of UML leaders have questioned the need for provinces, suggesting scrapping them through a constitutional amendment. In contrast, former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai has proposed increasing the number of provincial governments to 10. NC leader Deuba has also defended the provincial system, arguing that it should be strengthened rather than dismantled, while also reaffirming the party’s commitment to inclusive provisions, including the electoral system.

Another story of note this week was the findings of the latest report from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), which paints a grim picture of rising corruption, particularly at the local government level. The CIAA’s 34th annual report (2023-24) shows that 38.91 percent of public complaints involved local governments, with the education sector accounting for 15.79 percent. The Auditor General’s 2022-23 report also identified significant financial discrepancies in local governments, highlighting a broader trend of increasing corruption.

Audits covering Rs 1.13575trn across 746 of the 753 local governments uncovered discrepancies totaling Rs 35.67bn. The data shows a consistent increase in complaints related to local and educational institutions.