Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli emphasized to world leaders that “A just, inclusive, and equitable world order as well as sustained prosperity are attainable when we collaborate effectively,” while highlighting the ancient principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “The whole world is one family.”
Addressing the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, 2024, at the United Nations, PM Oli cautioned “The world is at a watershed moment in history. The contrast between rich and poor, harmony and hatred, and economic development and environmental destruction have never been as stark as they are today. Both people and planet stand on the brink of climate catastrophe. Geopolitical rivalries are resurging.”
PM Oli expressed concern over the escalating military expenditures and an unchecked arms race, noting that the threat of nuclear conflict is more prominent than ever. He pointed out that, while the global economy is still recovering from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising nationalism and protectionism are threatening progress, even before the full benefits of liberalization and globalization have been realized.
Despite centuries of industrialization and modernization, PM Oli found it troubling that, in the so-called civilized world of the 21st century, wealth remains concentrated largely in the Global North, while poverty and hardship are heavily entrenched in the Global South, especially in least developed countries (LDCs).
To address these imbalances, PM Oli called for leadership that fosters genuine cooperation and collaboration. He stressed that only through collective will and unified action can the world overcome these challenges and create lasting peace and shared prosperity for all.
As such, he expressed that the theme of this Session “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” is timely and important.
Underscoring the principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ has long been the cornerstone of Nepal’s approach to development across all sectors, he conveyed “This philosophy is enshrined in our Constitution which upholds the values of democracy by guaranteeing inclusivity, equality, justice, proportional representation, human rights, and social protection for the most vulnerable sections of society.”
He also reminded world leaders that they “reaffirmed their commitment through the ‘Summit of the Future’ to build a safe, just, and sustainable world for both present and future generations. This pledge is embodied in the three pivotal documents we have adopted: Pact of the Future, Declaration on Future Generation, and the Global Digital Compact,” urging “We must demonstrate our determination to implement these documents for the wellbeing of present and future generations.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that Nepal is on track to graduate from its LDC status by 2026, while also working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, with the aim of becoming a developed country by 2043, despite facing significant economic challenges.
However, PM Oli acknowledged that Nepal’s journey towards achieving the SDGs faces major hurdles, noting, “We are confronted with a substantial financial gap of about 24 billion US dollars to attain the 2030 Agenda.”
“Climate change has emerged as the gravest threat to our planet, people, and prosperity” he added. “My own country, Nepal, is particularly hard hit. We stand as one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change and are ranked as the 20th most disaster-prone country in the world.”
He also emphasized Nepal’s firm belief in “dialogue and diplomacy” as the only solutions to resolve conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East. Regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, he reaffirmed Nepal’s support for a two-state solution, “where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully and securely within internationally recognized borders,” in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
PM Oli further stressed the importance of addressing “worsening humanitarian crises in regions such as Libya, Syria, Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, and elsewhere.”
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