Kathmandu, April 17: A UN delegation led by Armida Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha at the latter’s’ office in Singha Durbar on Monday.
During the meeting, DPM Shrestha informed the visiting UN delegation that Nepal was in the process to graduate from the list of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to developing one by 2026.
Extending gratitude to the UN for its coordination and collaboration towards this end, DPM Shrestha called for special attention to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN.
Stating that Nepal had its own unique challenges, Shrestha shared that preparation were in full swing to realize the global goals.
The UN delegation on the occasion emphasized agriculture, diversification in the export of renewable energy, sustainable tourism, facilitation in trade and sustainable investment for structural transformation.
The visiting delegation also pointed out the need to give proper instructions and guidance to the subordinate bodies for effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) and management.
In reciprocation, the DPM asserted sensitiveness of the incumbent government’s DRR and management as, he added, Nepal was at high risk of natural disasters.
According to the DPM, the government has already directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority for the needful actions for the DRR.
Shrestha acknowledged that peace, security, sustainable development and equitable social transformation could be achieved with support of multifaceted organization like the UN.
On the occasion, both parties reaffirmed their commitments to continue with the discussion, to bolster further cooperation between the two as well as to further strengthen mutual ties so as to accelerate and achieve SDGs within the stipulated timeline 2030.
Ms Armida arrived in Kathmandu today. In a tweet, she has hoped of looking forward to discussing with the government representatives, #Nepal‘s economic, social, and environmental development and current priorities to ensure sustainable #LDC graduation.
