KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 30

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is currently on a four-day official trip to Nepal beginning on Sunday, has stated that the world should draw lessons from Nepal's homegrown practices for establishing peace.

During a welcome program organized in his honor at the UN Building in Lalitpur's Pulchowk area, Guterres emphasized that the world should learn from Nepal's homegrown peace practices, its efforts to conclude transitional justice, and its contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.

He also encouraged UN staff in Nepal to support the country in becoming competitive and successful in various areas, including the socio-economic sector. He urged the UN staff to play a role in Nepal's pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Guterres clarified that his visit to Nepal primarily focuses on matters related to concluding the peace process, providing assistance to those affected by climate change, and helping Nepal transition from the category of least developed countries to developing countries. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the interests of survivors during the transitional justice process.

Expressing concerns about Nepal suffering the impacts of climate change, such as snow melting, despite having minimal carbon emissions globally, Secretary-General Guterres stressed the need for all stakeholders to take this matter seriously.

Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, assured that all assistance would continue to support Nepal's development into a developing country and achieving sustainable peace in line with UN guidelines and recommendations.

The UN remains committed to supporting Nepal in implementing its constitutional rights and promoting equitable, inclusive development.

During the event, singer Ani Choying Dolma shared her thoughts on peace, and UN Secretary-General Guterres planted tree saplings on the premises of the UN Building.

Guterres arrived in Nepal on Sunday at the invitation of Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal.