Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah is traveling to the United Nations, where climate justice is expected to be a key issue following devastating flash floods and mudslides near the country’s border with China.
The disaster has reportedly killed at least 1,451 people, while another 5,705 remain missing, according to the Kathmandu Post. Nepal has estimated that around $4.78 billion will be required to rebuild areas severely damaged by the floods and landslides.
Shah is due to address the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday. The visit marks his first international trip since his election and his first major international engagement since becoming prime minister on March 27.
Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, who is also attending the UN gathering, called for international assistance to be treated as climate compensation rather than charity.
Khanal said the international community needs to respond collectively, arguing that support for Nepal should be viewed as an issue of justice and fairness.
He also stressed that Nepal has experienced a disproportionate impact from climate change despite contributing only a very small share of global greenhouse gas emissions.
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