Foreign Minister Dr Rana calls for global unity to address challenges facing humanity

Kathmandu, Sept. 27: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has called for the global community to unite to address the serious challenges facing humanity today.     

Addressing the Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in New York on Thursday on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the minister emphasised global efforts for dealing with problems like climate change.     

She reflected on how climate change is affecting humanity, stating that, "The world is currently facing the most problems. On the one hand, our common home, Earth, is facing unimaginable problems day by day, like rapid mountain melts, due to the impacts of climate change. There is an increased fear that the snow melts will lead to natural disasters, including flooding, and human casualties. Human-made development structures and infrastructures are also collapsing and floods are occurring untimely. As a result, there are fears of the collapse of human civilisation."     

Developing countries like Nepal, landlocked countries and least developed countries have been hit hard by such problems, she noted, requiring supports for these countries for sustainable development, and climate financing for 'climate justice'.     

"At this time, humans are facing the double whammy of the impacts of natural disasters, and global conflicts." Increasing violence and conflict has led to economic and technological inequality and 'digital divide' between countries and people, she said calling for an urgent need for cooperation between Asian countries for peace, tranquility and prosperity.     

Dr Rana advocated for all Asian countries to develop common vision, efforts and commitment to tackling the challenges of Asia and the world as a whole. "Just as we Asian are rich in ancient civilisations, let our leadership be meaningful in solving global problems as well."     

She expressed optimism that Asia rich in multiculturalism, knowledge and ancient civilisations could play a role in resolving the global crisis facing humanity. Likewise, in her address to the Ministerial-level Meeting of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, Dr Rana updated on Nepal's progress in managing conflicts and concluding the remaining work of peace process.     

The Parliament of Nepal has recently enacted a law on transitional justice that favours victims, she shared.     

Dr Rana also suggested that the Peacebuilding Commission should strategically move forward by partnering with bodies like Security Council, General Assembly, and Economic and Social Council. Emphasising that Nepal is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the messenger of peace, she highlighted efforts to build a peaceful and non-violent society by respecting and adhering to positive thinking and behavior, and cultural values.     

Also, Minister Dr Rana chaired the Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Nepal is currently the chairman of LDCs. Addressing the Meeting, the minister pointed out the need for increased assistances for LDCs to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.     

Reflecting on problems faced by these countries, she said, "These countries, including Nepal, are facing multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, epidemics, geopolitical tensions and conflicts. Many other problems are hindering them from achieving SDGs as well."     

On the occasion, Dr Rana thanked the world community for offering an opportunity for Nepal to lead the Global Coordination Bureau and urged them to help these underdeveloped countries increase their production and production capacity, and have their access to the regional and global markets.(RSS)