PM Oli Warns of Global Climate Disaster: Are We Heading Toward Instability and Conflict?
Prime Minister Oli issued a stark warning about the impending threats of climate disaster, rising geopolitical tensions, and growing military spending, which he said are pushing the world towards instability.
“The world and its people are on the edge of a climate catastrophe,” he emphasized, noting Nepal’s heightened vulnerability as one of the most disaster-prone countries globally.
Oli also criticized the stark inequalities between the Global North and South, condemning the concentration of wealth in developed nations while extreme poverty persists in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) like Nepal.
He called for stronger leadership and global cooperation to address these disparities, aligning his message with the Assembly’s seventy-ninth session theme: "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity."
The Prime Minister underscored Nepal’s constitutional commitment to inclusivity, ensuring human rights, proportional representation, and social protections for marginalized communities.
Internationally, he reiterated Nepal’s commitment to peace, non-interference, and sovereign equality, emphasizing its progress since the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord.
Highlighting Nepal's significant role in UN peacekeeping, Oli advocated for greater representation in leadership roles within the Organization, reflecting the country’s contribution.
He further stressed the importance of Nepal’s delicate ecosystem, particularly the Himalayan region, which serves as a crucial “natural climate stabilizer” vital to global environmental health.
Oli urged greater focus on the mountain agenda in climate negotiations and reaffirmed Nepal’s pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2045. He also called for increased global financial support for climate adaptation and a loss and damage fund for vulnerable nations.
Despite the challenges, Oli expressed hope, stating that these issues are man-made and can be resolved through understanding, trust, and cooperation.
In conclusion, he invoked the ancient Maha Upanishad’s concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or "the world is one family," reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity for all, leaving no one behind.