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KATHMANDU: Visiting United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the joint meeting of the Federal Parliament in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
The UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the brutal impacts of the climate crisis being faced by communities in Nepal.
Nepal and other developing countries need far greater international support to aid development, accelerate climate action, and weather the current global storms, he said, adding, "The United Nations stands with them. The world must do the same."
Addressing the joint meeting of both Houses of the federal parliament, he urged leaders to act on climate without delay — with the biggest emitters leading from the front. The UN Secretary-General also called on the member states to make the commitment to release at least $500 billion a year in affordable long-term finance for sustainable development and climate action.
All countries must put the Acceleration Agenda I have proposed into effect, to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius. And they must make COP-28 count, with a strong outcome building on the Global Stocktake.
Stating that developed countries must honour the promise of 100 billion USD a year and double adaptation finance, as a first step to devoting half of climate finance to adaptation, he said the most vulnerable must be at the centre of efforts to build climate resilience.
He also said that all parties must operationalise the landmark Loss and Damage Fund at COP28 this year.
Earlier, Speaker Devraj Ghimire invited UN Secretary-General Guterres to address the meeting.
General Secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat Bharat Raj Gautam, as well as others, welcomed the UN Secretary-General upon reaching the Federal Parliament Building, New Baneshwor.
Similarly, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chairperson Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, Deputy-Speaker Indira Rana Magar, National Assembly Vice-Chair Urmila Aryal, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhanraj Gurung, among others also welcome Guterres.
The Federal Parliament Building was decorated to welcome Secretary-General Guterres. Former Speakers Daman Nath Dhungana and Agni Prasad Sapkota, chiefs and representatives of constitutional bodies, representatives of diplomatic missions in Nepal, high-ranking officials of the government, former lawmakers, and media persons are present in the Federal Parliament Building.
World must be a good friend to Nepal: UNSG
The UN Secretary-General said it was his great pleasure to visit, Nepal, which he described as an 'extraordinary country'.
"What I have seen confirms a simple truth: Nepal is a friend to the world, he said, "and the world must be a good friend to Nepal."
He also said that the United Nations will never stop fighting to make that a reality, in his address to the joint meeting.
On a different note, he said Nepal's dynamic story of progress continues today, with imminent graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. "The United Nations is committed to supporting a smooth transition."
Stating that transitional justice can play a vital role in securing lasting peace, he said the process must help to bring peace to victims, families and communities haunted by questions, and scarred by injustice; and help put the past to rest.
However, by nature, transitional justice is a delicate and complex process. But, we know that transitional justice has the greatest chance of success when it is inclusive, comprehensive, and has victims at its heart."
The success of the process also lies when it centres on truth and reparations but also justice and when women participate fully. 'And when all victims of human rights violations can find meaningful redress.'
In this regard, the United Nations Secretary-General also welcomed efforts in Nepal to drive progress and find solutions.
He said that the UN stands ready to support Nepal to develop a process that meets international standards, Nepal Supreme Court’s rulings, and the needs of victims – and to put it into practice.
