Prime Minister Balen Shah Leaves for New York to Attend UN General Assembly

Prime Minister Balendra Shah is leaving for New York today to participate in the high-level week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Prime Minister Shah is scheduled to depart from Tribhuvan International Airport on a Qatar Airways flight at 4:15 PM on Tuesday, September 22, leading the Nepali delegation to the UNGA. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Shah will address the General Debate of the General Assembly on September 24, 2026. Shah will represent Nepal at the high-level General Debate, which is being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from September 22 to 28. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister's address is scheduled for September 24. His participation will mark Nepal's representation at the high-level segment of the 81st UNGA under his leadership. During his stay in New York, Prime Minister Shah is also scheduled to hold a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The meeting is part of Shah's official engagements during the UNGA, alongside his participation in high-level meetings and other diplomatic activities. The Nepali delegation accompanying Prime Minister Shah includes Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, Chief Advisor Kumar Byanjankar, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other senior government officials. The delegation is also expected to participate in various meetings and engagements on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Foreign Minister Khanal had already travelled to New York on September 20 to participate in high-level meetings, side events and ministerial-level engagements. The New York trip is Prime Minister Balendra Shah's first foreign visit since assuming office. He is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on September 26, 2026, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal had travelled to New York ahead of the Prime Minister to participate in the UNGA-related programmes and bilateral engagements.