Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, declared that Nepal stands at a “historical crossroads,” stressing that the “only viable road ahead of us is that of the road to peace, democracy, and inclusive development.”

Delivering Nepal’s national statement on September 29, 2025, in New York, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” Ambassador Thapa addressed global leaders while also reflecting on recent political transformations in his country.

Speaking in his capacity as the Leader of Nepal’s delegation, Thapa reaffirmed, “We are determined to continue our democratic journey,” as he recounted how young Nepalis have played a decisive role in shaping the nation’s current trajectory.

Earlier this month, he recalled, Nepal’s youth, particularly Generation Z, had taken to the streets with what he described as a “clear and compelling voice for change.” According to Thapa, their demands went beyond “narrow interests” and instead envisioned “a nation built on the pillars of good governance–transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people.”

“They demanded efficient public service, an end to corruption, an equitable society, justice for all, and dignified job opportunities for the youth,” he noted. “It was a resounding reminder that the aspirations of this generation are nothing less than a fair, just, and prosperous Nepal.”

However, the Ambassador also acknowledged the movement’s darker side. Nepal, he said, witnessed “unfortunate violence that claimed lives and left deep scars” while government buildings were set ablaze.

Against this backdrop, he explained that an interim government has been established to guide Nepal through its transitional moment.

“For the first time in Nepal’s history, Nepal is led by a woman as Prime Minister–herself a former Chief Justice,” Thapa said. General elections are scheduled for March 5, 2026.

“This will mark another step in strengthening our democracy through fresh mandates of the sovereign people. Rebuilding our institutions, restoring trust, and healing our society will take time, resources, and solidarity,” he continued. “And we appreciate goodwill and continued support from the international community as we move forward in this direction.”

Turning to broader global concerns, Ambassador Thapa said the international community itself “stands at a crossroads” where “peace is in peril; militarization is mounting; development is drifting; climate crisis is culminating; and commitments unmet and promises unkept.”

In that context, he underlined the relevance of this year’s UNGA theme, which he said reaffirms the United Nations’ historic role as a “common foundation for multilateralism.”

“For 80 years, our organization has remained a beacon of hope for peace, shared prosperity, equity, justice, freedom, and human rights, and hope for the rules-based international order,” he stated.

Yet, as crises converge – from climate catastrophes and inequality to digital disruption and violent conflicts – Ambassador Thapa warned that the UN’s beacon “must shine brighter than ever.”

“It is time to renew our collective resolve to fortify the founding values of the United Nations,” he urged. “The UN Charter is a bedrock of our foreign policy. It is a compass that guides our action on the global stage.”

The Ambassador also reminded Member States that 2025 marks 70 years of Nepal’s membership in the UN. “For seven decades, Nepal has consistently stood by the United Nations in terms of contributing to global peace and stability, advocating for a rules-based international order, promoting equitable and sustainable economic development, particularly for the upliftment of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and upholding human dignity and justice,” he said.

Highlighting Nepal’s status as the world’s largest troop-contributing country to UN peacekeeping, Thapa added: “Our highly professional peacekeepers serve with a deep sense of duty to secure peace and stability in the conflict-ridden parts of the world.”

Nepal, he said, continues to advocate for complete disarmament, noting that lasting global peace requires the reduction of both conventional and emerging weapons.

He also strongly condemned terrorism: “We stand for peace, security, and the protection of innocent lives everywhere.”

As Chair of the Global Coordination Bureau of the Least Developed Countries, Ambassador Thapa underscored Nepal’s leadership role in ensuring “equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development guided by the spirit of no one is left behind.”

He further highlighted Nepal’s current presidency of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). “We thank the Member States for their trust. As the President of the ECOSOC, I am deeply committed, under the motto of ‘Delivering Better,’ to bring coherence, credibility, and measurable impact to the Council’s work,” he said.

Nepal also remains engaged as a member of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, supporting “inclusive, nationally owned, and locally driven peacebuilding processes.”

On international conflicts, Thapa expressed grave concern noting “Many parts of the world are witnessing protracted crises. War is raging relentlessly in Ukraine and suffering is deepening in Gaza, where civilians bear the heaviest toll.”

Reiterating Nepal’s stance on the Middle East, he said: “We support a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully and securely within internationally recognized borders in line with the relevant United Nations resolutions.”

He also called for the “immediate release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student, who has been held hostage by Hamas since October 7, 2023.”

On climate change, Ambassador Thapa emphasized that climate-driven disasters are compounding human suffering and displacing communities. He warned that the very institutions designed to confront these challenges are “under immense strain,” and that confidence in multilateral frameworks is weakening.

“This is a clear and urgent call to reassess, strengthen, and revitalize our multilateral institutions, and fortify global solidarity and action,” he said.

Ambassador Thapa outlined several urgent areas requiring international focus: Peace and security; Strengthening multilateralism and rebuilding trust; Accelerating implementation of the 2030 Agenda; Advancing climate justice and climate action; Addressing digital transformation; and Reforming the United Nations to reflect present-day realities. 

He reminded the Assembly that history shows the world achieves more when nations choose “partnership over division, collaboration over confrontation, and dialogue over disagreement.”

In closing Ambassador Thapa said, “The world watches us at a moment of great trial. Let us stand together, united and determined, to ensure enduring peace and prosperity in the world. When the United Nations succeeds, humanity as a whole succeeds. When it falters, it is the innocent and the vulnerable who bear the heaviest cost.”

He emphasized that the UN’s 80th anniversary is a solemn reminder of Member States’ collective responsibility “to safeguard peace, uphold justice, protect human dignity, and build a world that is fairer, safer, and more humane for all.”

Related posts:

Nepal’s Ambassador to United Nations Lok Thapa Elected ECOSOC President for 2026 A Force More Powerful: A New Book on The Rise of the Global Women’s Funding Movement Nepal-America International Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup Featuring 30 Films from 14 Countries World Meditation Day: United Nations Highlights Meditation’s Role in Mental Well-Being and Global Peace