NEW YORK (Special Feature) — Nepal is demonstrating multifaceted diplomatic engagement on the global stage at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Against the backdrop of the recent catastrophic flooding in Nepal—which caused severe damage and challenges, particularly to hydropower and physical infrastructure around the Bhote Koshi River—Nepal has centered its diplomatic priorities on recovery, relief, reconstruction, and the mobilization of international support.

The series of intensive bilateral and multilateral engagements led by Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, alongside the participation of the high-level Nepali delegation led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, has rendered Nepal’s presence at this global forum both meaningful and result-oriented.

Establishment of 186th Diplomatic Relations with the Caribbean Nation of Grenada

Nepal’s diplomatic footprint has expanded further. On September 23 (Asoj 7), formal diplomatic relations were established between Nepal and the Caribbean island nation of ‘Grenada’ during a special ceremony held at the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York.

Historic Signing: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and Grenada’s Minister for Finance Dennis Cornwall signed the joint communique establishing diplomatic relations.

Shared Agenda & Cooperation: Prior to the signing, both ministers held in-depth discussions on accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the collective role small and developing nations must play in addressing the severe impacts of climate change. Both sides explored opportunities to exchange best practices and experiences in sectors such as tourism and education. With the agreement with Grenada, the number of countries with which Nepal maintains formal diplomatic relations has reached 186.

US  Announces Additional $31 Million Assistance:

During a bilateral meeting in New York on September 23 (Asoj 7), US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker met with Foreign Minister Khanal and announced an additional $31 million (over NPR 4 billion) package to support Nepal’s flood recovery efforts.

This package includes  $10 million for custom-built permanent modular bridges, $8 million for water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), shelter, and winterization relief, and $13 million for advanced US-made drone technology for disaster management. This brings total US flood relief assistance to Nepal past $36 million.

High-Level Dialogue with the Indian External Affairs Minister (Sept 23 / Asoj 7)

Foreign Minister Khanal held a bilateral meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar. Nepal expressed gratitude for the solidarity demonstrated and immediate assistance provided by the Government and people of India following the floods. Both leaders emphasized further strengthening the multifaceted, friendly ties between Nepal and India while advancing bilateral cooperation.

Multilateral Dialogues with the EU, Japan, and European Nations

During his stay in New York, Foreign Minister Khanal concluded several high-level bilateral sideline meetings with leaders of major nations and regional organizations:

European Union (EU) & Bhote Koshi Recovery (Sept 22 / Asoj 6): In a meeting with EU Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening EU-Nepal cooperation in the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and sustainable development of areas affected by the Bhote Koshi floods.

70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties with Japan (Sept 22 / Asoj 6): Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu expressed deep condolences for the loss of lives and property caused by the floods, assuring that Japan stands with Nepal from emergency relief to medium- and long-term reconstruction. Search and rescue efforts for missing foreign and Japanese nationals were also reviewed. Both leaders expressed confidence that the upcoming “Nepal-Japan Festival” in November will further deepen ties as the two nations celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations.

Mountainous Cooperation with Bhutan (Sept 22 / Asoj 6): Meeting with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, both mountainous nations voiced concern over the escalating frequency of natural disasters due to climate change and agreed to pursue a shared climate diplomacy strategy.

Solidarity with the Maldives (Sept 22 / Asoj 6): Foreign Minister Khanal met with Maldivian Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon (or Iruthisham Adam), expressing gratitude for the humanitarian aid received after the floods. Discussions covered tourism, education, employment, and reviving SAARC.

Engagements with European & African Nations: Bilateral meetings were held with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski, and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel to discuss trade, cooperation, and multilateral coordination. Additionally, discussions took place with Ugandan Foreign Minister Adonia Ayebare regarding the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting.

UNGA High-Level Session & the “Sagarmatha to Sea” Agenda

The high-level general debate of the 81st UN General Assembly opened on Tuesday, September 22 (Asoj 6) at the UN Headquarters. Foreign Minister Khanal attended the opening session along with Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, Joint Secretary Krishna Prasad Dhakal, and other senior officials.

Nepal is hosting a special side event titled “Sagarmatha to Sea” during this UNGA session. Through this platform, Nepal aims to draw international attention to rapid glacier melt, mountain ecosystem degradation, and its downstream impacts extending to coastal areas and oceans. Minister Khanal will also participate in ministerial meetings for LDCs, LLDCs, NAM, and G-77 & China.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s Delegation & Itinerary

The high-level Nepali delegation led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah departed for the United States on Tuesday, September 22 (Asoj 6). He will address to the UN General Assembly High-Level Debate on Thursday (Sep.24) .

-Asoj 4 ( Sept 19 ) Delegation led by Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal arrives in New York

– Asoj 6 (Sept 22) Opening of UNGA High-Level Debate; Bilateral meetings with Maldives, Japan, EU, Bhutan, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, & Uganda; Prime Minister Balendra Shah departs for US |

-Asoj 7  (Sept 23) Formal diplomatic relations established with Grenada (186th nation); Meetings with US Under Secretary Allison Hooker ($31M aid announcement) & Indian EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar

– Asoj 8 ( Sept 24) Address to the UN General Assembly High-Level Debate by Prime Minister Balendra Shah

-Asoj 10 (Sept 26) Prime Minister Balendra Shah returns to Kathmandu

-Asoj 13 ( Sept 29) Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal arrives back in Kathmandu

– During his stay in New York, Prime Minister Shah is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Nepal is trying to utilize the platform of the 81st General Assembly not merely for formal diplomatic attendance, but as a robust, result-oriented opportunity to secure disaster recovery support, champion climate justice, enhance regional partnerships, and safeguard national interests.