UN Chief Guterres on Gaza Crisis & Nepal's Climate Challenge

During a joint press conference on October 29th with Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda", United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke about both the Gaza crisis and Nepal's climate challenges.

Regarding Gaza, Mr. Guterres stated that he will continue advocating for the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza." He strongly condemned the appalling attacks carried out by Hamas, asserting "There is no justification, ever, for the killing, injuring and abduction of civilians."

The Secretary-General expressed that the situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire by the hour. He lamented that rather than the critically needed humanitarian ceasefire called for by the international community, Israel has intensified its military operations. Mr. Guterres reiterated his appeal for "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief at a scale that meets the needs of the people of Gaza." He further stated, "We must join forces to end this nightmare for the people of Gaza, Israel and all those affected around the world, including here in Nepal."

Turning to Nepal's challenges, Mr. Guterres noted that Nepal is caught up in global crises not of its own making, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation caused by the international economic situation, and the enormous threat posed by climate change. He emphasized that much more international action is required. Developed nations must increase support for sustainable development and assist developing countries including Nepal in tackling the climate emergency.

Mr. Guterres announced he will visit Nepal's Himalayas to witness firsthand the terrible impacts of the climate crisis on the glaciers. He described the situation as dire and accelerating. Nepal has lost close to a third of its ice mass in just over thirty years, and glaciers are melting at record rates, the Secretary-General noted. Mr. Guterres said he will meet with local Himalayan communities directly affected by glacial retreat during his visit.

The UN Secretary-General is in Nepal for a four-day visit that began with his arrival in Kathmandu on October 29th, 2023.