Prime Minister Balendra Shah to address UN General Assembly on September 24

New York, United States, September 5, 2026 — Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah is scheduled to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, according to the United Nations’ official speaking schedule.

Shah is due to deliver his address in the afternoon. The visit would mark his first foreign trip since taking office on March 27.

His participation in the annual gathering of world leaders comes as Nepal seeks international support following devastating floods that killed more than 1,300 people and left thousands missing.

The government had initially planned to send Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to lead Nepal’s delegation to the General Assembly. However, the plan was revised following the August 26 disaster in Nepal’s northern Himalayan region.

Floods triggered by a glacial collapse and landslide swept through communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors, causing widespread loss of life and extensive damage.

Government officials said Shah decided to personally lead Nepal’s delegation to highlight the scale of the disaster and seek international support for rescue, relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin preparations for the visit after Shah decided to attend the General Assembly.

Foreign Minister Khanal is expected to arrive in New York ahead of Shah. He is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with foreign officials and participate in other high-level engagements on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

According to foreign ministry officials, Shah’s delegation is expected to remain small and the visit is likely to be brief, with limited engagements beyond his General Assembly address and several high-level meetings.

The UN General Assembly brings together representatives of all 193 member states and holds its annual high-level general debate every September. Heads of state, heads of government and other senior officials use the gathering to address global issues and hold diplomatic meetings.