Kathmandu, 17 April: Prime Minister Balen Shah has been included in the list of the world’s 100 most influential people. He was featured in the 2026 list published by the globally renowned Time magazine.
Within this list, Shah has been categorized under political leaders, alongside some of the world’s most powerful figures. His name appears among influential politicians such as China’s President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Pope Pope Leo, highlighting his emergence as a multidimensional leader from Nepal.
The political leaders category also includes figures like Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, among a total of 24 leaders.
Time introduced Shah by referencing lyrics from his own rap music, quoting: “Money doesn’t grow on trees just to sell your integrity.” The magazine noted that the 35-year-old former hip-hop artist rose to prominence by rapping against injustice and misgovernance before becoming Prime Minister. It also mentioned that he was elected as Nepal’s youngest Prime Minister last Falgun (February–March), with his rise rooted in a youth-led street movement that gained momentum in Bhadra (August–September).
Commonly known as “Balen,” Shah is described as a civil engineer and rapper who used his platform to speak out against systemic issues. According to the magazine, his journey from energizing stages through music to becoming mayor of Kathmandu four years ago eventually led him to lead Nepal’s 30 million people. His rise is portrayed as both a surge of youthful energy in leadership and a rejection of entrenched nepotistic politics in South Asia.
The magazine also highlighted his strong social media presence, where his posts—often critical of the government—attracted significant public attention. It concluded by noting that it remains to be seen whether he can address the same issues he once criticized now that he is in power.
Time magazine, headquartered in New York City, was established in 1923 and has since expanded internationally, including a European edition in the United Kingdom. Each year, it publishes its list of the 100 most influential people, recognizing individuals who have made a significant impact—positively or negatively—through power, ambition, or philanthropy, spanning leaders, innovators, and creators worldwide.
