Kathmandu, 25 September (H.S.): Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah concluded his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly with a message of hope for global peace and well-being. He linked Nepal’s spiritual and cultural identity, represented by Lord Pashupatinath and Gautama Buddha, with the broader cause of global peace. At the conclusion of his address, Prime Minister Shah said, “May Lord Pashupatinath bless the world. May the world be able to follow the path shown by Buddha.”

Prime Minister Shah referred to two of Nepal’s prominent spiritual identities — Pashupatinath and Gautama Buddha. Pashupatinath is regarded as a major symbol of Nepal’s religious and cultural identity, while Lumbini in Nepal is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Shah presented the messages associated with these two spiritual symbols not merely as part of Nepal’s heritage, but as embodying a broader aspiration for global welfare and peace.

His message came at a time when he had raised issues including the climate crisis, natural disasters, global inequality and the challenges confronting developing countries in his address. From the United Nations platform, Prime Minister Shah also emphasised the need for climate cooperation in the Himalayan region, cross-border coordination during disasters and a more just global order.

In conclusion, he moved beyond political and economic concerns to convey Nepal’s spiritual heritage to the world, expressing a hope for peace, human welfare and peaceful coexistence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar