Prime Minister Oli Lauds Global Peacekeepers, Reaffirms Nepal’s Commitment to UN Ideals on United Nations Day 2024

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today praised the dedication and bravery of United Nations peacekeepers, particularly those serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), during a special event organized at the Nepali Army (NA) Headquarters to mark United Nations (UN) Day 2024. The event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Defense and the Nepali Army, celebrated the enduring contributions of the UN to global peace and security.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Prime Minister Oli commended the courage and resilience of peacekeepers, highlighting their service in increasingly difficult and dangerous conditions. “Their unwavering dedication and fearlessness exemplify the true spirit of peacekeeping and inspire all of us to uphold global peace and security,” he said.

Honoring Nepal’s Role in UN Peacekeeping

Nepal has a long and proud history of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions. Oli emphasized that the occasion of UN Day presents an opportunity to reaffirm Nepal’s steadfast commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. “For decades, we have been a persistent advocate of peace, equality, cooperation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Our peacekeepers have made invaluable contributions in conflict-affected regions around the world,” he said.

Nepal’s foreign policy, he added, is rooted in the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect for sovereignty, and non-interference. Positioned between two major neighbors, China and India, Nepal has maintained a balanced approach of “Friend to all and Enmity to none,” reflecting its commitment to international diplomacy and peaceful relations.

The Prime Minister also stressed Nepal’s dedication to multilateralism, especially in tackling global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and security threats. “Global problems require global solutions, and Nepal stands ready to play a constructive role in advancing peace, stability, and sustainable development worldwide,” Oli said.

Recognizing the Work of UN Agencies

In his speech, Prime Minister Oli expressed deep gratitude for the work of UN country teams, field missions, and specialized UN agencies. He acknowledged their relentless efforts in peace-building, development, and humanitarian assistance, stating that their work is a “shining example” of how collaboration can bring about lasting, positive change.

“We must remember that our partnership strengthens the UN’s ability to carry out its critical missions, often in some of the world’s most challenging environments,” he said.

Challenges Facing Peacekeeping and the Role of Nepal

Oli noted that while Nepal is committed to sending skilled and competent peacekeepers when called upon, peace operations are becoming more dangerous. Increasingly, peacekeepers are at risk from violent groups and face dynamic security situations. “Conflicts are growing more complex, and resolving them requires strong international support and solidarity,” he said.

To ensure the safety and preparedness of peacekeepers, Oli emphasized the need for providing them with proper tools and training. He also reiterated Nepal’s commitment to promoting the participation of women in peacekeeping, which he described as symbolically significant for empowering women in conflict-ridden societies.

Nepal has also endorsed the “Declaration of Shared Commitments” under the UN’s “Action for Peacekeeping” (A4P) initiative and its enhanced “A4P Plus” version. Oli described these initiatives as reflecting Nepal’s broader vision of global security and responsibility as a committed member of the international community.

Addressing Global Environmental Challenges

Prime Minister Oli utilized the UN Day forum to bring attention to one of the most pressing global challenges: climate change. He acknowledged that despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, countries like Nepal are disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change, including glacier melting, erratic monsoons, and increasing natural disasters.

Citing the recent monsoon disasters in Nepal that claimed lives and caused widespread damage, Oli stressed the urgency of addressing these issues collectively. He linked these events to global environmental crises, referencing the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida, USA, as another example of the cross-border nature of climate-related challenges.

“It is high time we unite to fight against the common threats facing humanity,” Oli said, emphasizing Nepal’s commitment to collaborating on global efforts to enhance climate resilience and sustainability. He expressed confidence that the UN’s leadership would continue to guide countries like Nepal toward shared solutions essential for the survival of vulnerable nations.

Nepal’s Commitment to UN Principles

In concluding his address, Prime Minister Oli reiterated Nepal’s unwavering commitment to the principles of the United Nations and the nation’s ongoing support for global initiatives promoting peace, security, sustainable development, and environmental protection. “In this volatile and ambiguous global situation, Nepal remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles of the United Nations,” he said.

Prime Minister Oli ended his speech by extending best wishes to the UN family, celebrating their efforts to foster peace and stability, and reaffirmed Nepal’s role in contributing to global peace and security in the years to come.