Press Release
Opening of the UNGA General Debate and other activities
Honourable Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs (DPMFM), attended the opening of the General Debate of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which began here at the UN Headquarters in New York today with the theme of ‘‘Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet”.
The General Debate, which preceded by a presentation of annual report by the UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres, began with the addresses by the President of Brazil followed by the President of the United States of America, the host of the UN.
The DPMFM participated in the Leaders’ Event on Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking organized on the margins of the UNGA by Her Excellency Theresa May, the British Prime Minister. Speaking in the Event, the DPMFM highlighted the need to focus on education and awareness in partnership with UN Agencies and NGOs, while adding that Nepal was committed to get rid of forced labour, slavery and human trafficking, and bonded labour.
Earlier today, the Hon. DPMFM Mahara attended an interactive High-level side event on Water for Sustainable Development, which underscored the importance of ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030 and the huge investment in infrastructure it entails. Nepal also participated in an event today on “Promoting Quality Infrastructure Investment” which was organized jointly by the European Commission, Japan and UNOPS.
The Hon. Mahara attended the luncheon hosted by the UN Secretary-General H.E. António Guterresin honour of the leaders attending the UNGA.
On the sidelines, Hon. DPMFM held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Børge Brende, Foreign Minister of Norway. During the meeting, the two sides discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation.
Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations
New York
19 September 2017