Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to Attend UN General Assembly in Historic First Foreign Visit

Politics John Brightwater September 20, 2024

Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to Attend UN General Assembly in Historic First Foreign Visit

Summary
Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli will undertake his first foreign trip to the United States for the 79th UN General Assembly, breaking tradition by not visiting a neighboring country first. He will address pressing global issues and engage with various leaders during his stay in New York.

Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli of Nepal will embark on his inaugural foreign trip to the United States this Friday to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This visit marks a departure from the traditional practice of first visiting neighboring countries and signifies his first international engagement since assuming office for the fourth time in July of this year. During his time in New York, Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to deliver a speech at the General Assembly on September 26. The theme for this year’s General Debate is “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations.” The UNGA will take place from September 10 to 28. Oli will attend the opening session of the General Debate on September 24, followed by a reception hosted by President Joe Biden on September 25. As the Chair of the Global Coordination Bureau of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), he will also speak at the Summit of the Future and participate in discussions focused on pressing global issues such as sea-level rise and antimicrobial resistance. On September 23, Prime Minister Oli is expected to present a keynote speech titled “Nepal’s Journey to Democracy and Economic Prosperity” at Columbia University and will continue with another address at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at Harvard University on September 27, where he will discuss “Nepal’s Perspective: From Transitional Justice to Climate Justice.” He will have the opportunity to meet with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and engage in several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by his spouse, Radhika Shakya, along with key government officials, including Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Chief Adviser Bishnu Prasad Rimal. He is scheduled to return to Nepal on September 30.

This foreign visit by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli is significant in that it not only marks his first trip abroad since taking office again in July but also highlights a shift in diplomatic priorities, as he chooses to engage on an international platform rather than adhering to the customary precedent of visiting neighboring nations first. The occasion provides him a platform to address critical issues at the UNGA, particularly under the context of Nepal’s role as a least developed country.

In summary, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s upcoming trip to the United States for the 79th UN General Assembly represents an important milestone for his administration. By addressing significant global challenges and engaging with international leaders, he not only enhances Nepal’s diplomatic presence but also aims to advocate for the interests of his country on the world stage. His participation in various sessions and discussions on democracy, economic prosperity, and climate justice will be crucial in promoting Nepal’s priorities amidst global dialogues.

Original Source: theprint.in