Kathmandu, 26 Sep: Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s address on Friday during the high-level session of the general debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly has drawn worldwide attention. Prominent international media outlets have given significant coverage to Prime Minister Shah’s speech, bringing it to audiences around the globe.
The issues raised by Prime Minister Shah, including Nepal’s suffering from natural disasters, climate justice and the future of generations to come, have resonated widely. International media outlets have strongly highlighted these issues in their coverage.
Addressing the General Assembly as the world’s youngest prime minister, Shah’s issues were covered by major global news agencies including the Associated Press (AP), Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Reuters. Likewise, leading international media outlets such as the BBC in the United Kingdom, CNN in the United States, Al Jazeera in Qatar and The Times of India in India gave significant attention to Shah’s address.
CNN noted the relevance of Shah’s call for climate justice, particularly his argument that Nepal, despite making only a minimal contribution to climate change, has been forced to endure devastating disasters. It highlighted the scientific evidence confirming the impacts of climate change and Shah’s assertion that countries like Nepal are bearing the consequences because of a lack of political will among major carbon emitters.
Several Indian media outlets, including NDTV and India Today, broadcast his full address live. It was Shah’s first speech at a major global forum since becoming prime minister.
The New York Times described the young prime minister’s presentation during his first foreign visit as engaging, particularly because he systematically highlighted the issues facing his country. It also gave significant attention to his presentation of the Bhotekoshi disaster as an issue of climate justice. The New York Times also published a separate commentary on why Balendra Shah wore dark glasses. It noted that Shah, who rarely appears without sunglasses, continued the practice at the United Nations.
Other local media outlets in the United States also gave priority to the issues raised in his address. Media analyst Binod Dhungel believes international media may have been particularly interested because Prime Minister Shah strongly presented issues concerning Nepal’s national interests.
“His address is timely and media-friendly. Along with the suffering of the country, it reflects the character of the world, which is what has attracted the attention of the international media,” Dhungel said. He added that, alongside climate justice and the devastation caused by floods, Shah’s reference to the impact of wars and conflicts around the world on countries like Nepal also addressed concerns shared by other nations.
Interest in Shah’s electoral victory had already risen internationally following the general election held last Falgun. Since then, he has become deeply involved in national politics. He generally dislikes public speeches and ceremonies and rarely speaks at public events.
“Therefore, he is a fresh celebrity political face moving in the direction sought by young people around the world, and young people in every country are trying to see their own image in him,” Dhungel added. He said it is understandable that major media outlets are keen to feature a prominent new political figure.
According to the United Nations, 130 high-level leaders, including 73 heads of state and 45 heads of government, are participating in this year’s General Assembly among the 193 UN member states. Deputy heads of government and ministers from various countries are also attending.
During the week-long high-level session of the General Assembly, which began on September 22, representatives from 99 countries, including Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, have already delivered their statements.
