By Shashi P.B.B. Malla
Climate justice was writ large in PM Balen’s address to the UN General Assembly.
He expressed deep gratitude for all the help and assistance, especially from our immediate neighbours.
He gave the stunning example of how anywhere in the world a military weapon could be ordered and delivered within days, but farmers had to go without fertilizers.
He stated the bare facts.
He very clearly stated that Nepal had not come to point the finger at climate-polluting states.
How the country had recognized that climate change was responsible, and that was buttressed by climate scientists.
In a very cogent speech he laid out dramatically how Nepal has suffered from the Himalayan Tsunami.
Our prime minister Balendra Shah has made his mark at the 81st plenary session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The way forward was now mutual cooperation and assistance where possible.
He also made the point that the world today was fractured. Ways and means must be found to make the multipolar world more functional.
Unlike our previous senile leaders who were also aware of the climate crisis but did nothing to prepare for the coming crisis, the present government is willing and able to take the necessary measures.
In this connection, Shri Kul Chandra Gautam, a former assistant secretary general of the UN, has written an excellent piece in The Kathmandu Post outlining a resilient roadmap for climate action and financing (Sept. 24).
This article is so timely and significant that we can only hope that it comes to the attention of the government, other relevant institutions, civil society and the enlightened public.
The best thing would be to request Shri Gautam to join temporary government service and avail of his advice on a regular basis.
The same could also be said of Shri Surya P. Subedi, Professor of International Law at the University of Leeds in the UK.
Prof Subedi could guide the government through the complexities of climate justice. He also wrote a cogent and excellent piece in The Kathmandu Post: “Giants on both flanks, tides overhead” (Sept. 18).
The writer can be reached at: shashimalla125@gmail.com
Login to add a comment