SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT BHISHMA RAJ OJHA, NEW YORK, Sept 24: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that the global community faces a more complex and polarized environment with multiple transnational challenges ranging from terrorism, climate change, energy deficiency, food insecurity and mass migration to extremism.

He emphasized that all these challenges reinforced the role and responsibility of the United Nations.

Prime Minister and the Leader of Nepali Delegation to the 72nd Session of United Nations General Assembly, Deuba said this in his statement in the UNGA session today.

Stating that it has been almost two decades since he first addressed from this podium, he said, “In decades that followed, the world has witnessed profound transformation. While there are some notable achievements in poverty reduction, school enrollment, gender equality and combating communicable diseases, it is not without multiple and complex challenges.”

He maintained that the world has become more inter-dependent, and better connected, while growing interdependence and pluralism have unleashed both challenges and opportunities.

A big geopolitical transformation is in the making, PM said, adding that the rise of inward looking tendency in some of the nation-states marked by the tide of populism on both the left and the right have created confusion over the course of world politics.

“Global community faces a more complex and polarized environment with multiple transnational challenges ranging from terrorism, climate change, energy deficiency, food insecurity, and mass migration to extremism,” PM Deuba stated.

He said that ethnic tensions and intra-state conflicts have taken toll on millions of innocent lives, and the sufferings of people in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen have not abated.
“Unfortunately, our efforts have been too little, and often too late. All these challenges reinforce the role and responsibility of the United Nations,” he reiterated.

Saying that as the world embarks upon a path of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he pointed out such challenges were the litmus tests for our leadership.

The choice of the theme for our deliberations at this Assembly “Focusing on people: striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet” provides a clear direction ahead, he added.

PM Deuba said – “Path to peace and decent life for all will remain elusive without resources and commitment for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. A very small fraction of trillions of dollars spent in armament can help the countries in need to attain these goals.

Delivery on commitments, inclusive process, coordinated efforts and shared responsibilities backed by adequate resources are essential to secure sustainable future and ensure that no one is left behind.”

CALL FOR COMPLETE DISARMAMENT
Reminding that the vicious race for weapons of mass destruction continues to threaten the world, the Prime Minister said Nepal called for a time-bound, general and complete disarmament.

“Nepal welcomes the confidence-building measures on conventional weapons, ending nearly two decades of stalemate in the UN Disarmament Commission.

Nepal has signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as a step towards nuclear disarmament.”

Nepal deplores the continued defiance by DPRK of the repeated calls of the UN Security Council and the international community, he said and urged the DPRK to abide by all the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. “We believe this alone safeguards peace and promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula,” he added.

PM Deuba further stated that as the host to the Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament for the Asia-Pacific, Nepal underlines the need to reactivate the regional disarmament deliberations under the Kathmandu Process.

According to the PM, violent extremism and religious fundamentalism have undermined peace and security in different parts of the world – with more youths being radicalized, with more lives being devastated, societies turning intolerant.

Terrorism is a curse to humanity and biggest threat to democracy and development, he deplored and said – “Nepal condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and anywhere in the world.

The world must come together to address not just its symptoms but the root causes. Early conclusion of the anti-terrorism global convention is the call of our time.”

SUCCESSFUL PEACEKEEPING DEMANDS OBJECTIVITY, IMPARTIALITY
Noting that successful peacekeeping demanded objectivity, impartiality and ability of the Mission to deliver with the consent and confidence of the host governments, Prime Minister and the Head of the Nepali Delegation said having contributed over a hundred and thirty thousand peacekeepers in some of the most challenging theatres and true to our commitment to the success of UN peace operations, Nepal remains prepared to provide additional troops and civilians for this noble cause.

“While we welcome the new standards and assessment mechanisms, a sustained partnership for capability building of peacekeepers is crucial for improving performance in peace operations. The UN should play a supportive role in capacity building of peace keeping related institutions,” he stated.

Nepal has been a host to a world class peace-keeping training center- the oldest one in the region, PM Deuba remarked, adding that the United Nations can make the best use of this facility and help develop it as a regional centre of excellence for peacekeeping training.

“Nepal firmly believes that all troop and police contributing countries must get fair opportunities to serve in leadership positions both in the field and at the headquarters commensurate with their level and length of contribution,” he stated.

Stating that protection of civilians should be at the center of peacekeeping operations, he said Nepal believed the safety and security of the peacekeepers is the key to enhance their ability to deliver from the high moral ground.

“On sexual exploitation and abuse, we must move from zero tolerance to zero case scenario. It is in this spirit that Nepal endorsed the Kigali Principles in its entirety, and signed the Secretary-General’s Voluntary Compact on the Elimination of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse,” he further maintained.

NEPAL’S CONSTITUTION HAS ASPIRATIONS OF ALL OF ITS CITIZENS 
According to the PM, all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and should be accorded equal emphasis including the right to development.

PM Deuba made it clear in the global forum that constitution of Nepal accommodates aspirations of all of its citizens. It guarantees a comprehensive set of internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“We are fully committed to the promotion and protection of those rights and their full enjoyment by our people. The constitution establishes powerful commissions to promote and protect rights and interests specific to women, Dalits, Muslims, Madhesis, indigenous people and other disadvantaged communities,” he said, adding that the National Human Rights Commission, an independent constitutional body, is responsible for overall monitoring of the human rights situation and investigation into the cases of their violation.

He further said Nepal views the right to life as the most important of all human rights. Nepal’s constitution bans death penalty in all circumstances. As a party to 24 international human rights instruments, including 7 out of 9 core instruments, Nepal has been fulfilling its international obligations with all sincerity, and to the best of its ability.

NEPAL PRESENTS ITS CANDIDATURE TO UNHRC
Making the foreign leaders aware about salient features of Nepal’s constitution and human rights practices, PM Deuba presented Nepal’s candidature to the UN Human Rights Council for the term 2018-2020.

He stated that Nepal’s first-ever election to the Council would be the recognition of Nepal’s long commitment and contributions in the field of human rights and an encouragement to do more at national as well as global levels. Nepal seeks invaluable support of all Member States to Nepal’s candidature, the PM underscored.

MIGRATION IS A MEGA-TREND
Addressing the 72nd session of the UNGA, PM Deuba said ensuring safe, orderly and regular migration is the need of time. Nepal eagerly looks forward to a successful outcome of the 2018 Global Compact on Migration.

“Nepal calls for concerted efforts at the national, regional and international levels to ensure that the migration process creates a fair and win-win situation to all. We call for safety, security, dignity and well-being of all migrant workers,” he mentioned, adding that although not a party to the Refugee Convention and its Protocol, Nepal has earnestly upheld humanitarian principles by hosting thousands of refugees.

Protection of minorities and their rights makes the world more humane, and contributes to world peace and security, he reminds.

FORCED EVICTION OF CITIZENS GRAVE CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY
The PM also called upon the international community to respond responsibly and act decisively for refugees’ right to return to their homeland in safety and dignity and rapid rehabilitation under all circumstances, arguing that forced eviction of citizens is a grave crime against humanity.

Saying that the cost of natural disasters is rising sharply in terms of human tragedy and devastation, he called for greater global cooperation and coordination in prevention, mitigation and recovery.

TRAUMA OF NEPAL EARTHQUAKE YET TO SUBSIDE

In his address to the UNGA, the PM said the trauma of Nepal earthquake 2015 has not subsided yet. The post-disaster reconstruction is ongoing. Nepal thanks it neighbours, development partners, other friendly countries and UN family for their generous support in our reconstruction drive.

Speaking about the climate change effect, he said poor and vulnerable countries disproportionately suffer from climate change despite their negligible role in greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of Paris Agreement should be done in synergy with the 2030 Agenda. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, equity and respective capabilities should be at the center of its implementation.

LDCS MOST VULNERABLE GROUP OF COUNTRIES
“The LDCs are the most vulnerable group of countries. They cannot be perennially equated with dehumanizing conditions of poverty and under development. They must be enabled to smoothly and sustainably graduate at an early date. LDCs and LLDCs have not been able to benefit from the process of globalization. They need reliable and sustainable financing, partnerships, and technology transfer to overcome their structural impediments,” he emphasized.

Moreover, the PM explained that as cost of doing trade is higher to the LLDCs than the coastal countries, development of multi-modal transport infrastructure and unhindered transit rights of landlocked nations are critical to their sustainable development.

The PM called for full implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action, Vienna Programme of Action and Addis Ababa Action Agenda in full synergy and coherence with the 2030 Agenda.

The development potentials of South-South cooperation in terms of trade, investment and technology must be fully exploited.

After years of political transition, Nepal now seeks to project a clear roadmap to prosperity, he reminded, adding that aligned with economic, social and environmental pillars of the SDGs, Nepal’s development priorities would be framed around the imperative of generating, sharing and sustaining broad-based prosperity.

According to him, geographical proximity to India and China provides Nepal a rare opportunity to benefit from unprecedented economic transformation in its neighbourhood, opening up immense opportunity for trade and investment.

Nepal exercises political pluralism at home, believe in multi-polarity in int’l relations

Likewise, PM Deuba, in the address, mentioned Nepal exercises political pluralism at home and believes in multi-polarity in international relations. The essence of Nepal’s foreign policy is Panchasheel –five principles of peaceful co-existence that are derived from the teachings of Lord Buddha-the enlightened son of Nepal.

The Panchasheel principles, as he said, serve as foundations for managing harmonious relations among nations in this time of increasing uncertainty and turmoil.

“Nepal believes in nonalignment. In exercise of our independent foreign policy, we judge every issue on its merit without fear or favour. We consider regional cooperation an important means for building trust and confidence among nations and making the best use of complementarities for shared prosperity,” he stated, while saying that connectivity remains at the core of deeper integration and for creating a win-win situation.

UN INDISPENSABLE IN MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS, GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

Nepal firmly believes in the indispensability of the United Nations in multilateral affairs and global governance. All countries, particularly major powers have the responsibility to contribute to the global good by fulfilling the obligations and responsibilities.

REFORM OF SECURITY COUNCIL LONG OVERDUE
The PM pointed out the need of the reform of UN’s Security Council, as it is a long overdue. Under-representation of developing countries must be addressed in recognition of their growing contributions in shaping global agenda, he stressed, arguing reforms must be inclusive and representative in structure, transparent and efficient in procedure, and accountable and effective in delivery.

“The Secretary-General’s reform proposals are a step forward. We believe a clear statement support of the Member States, such as the Declaration made earlier this week, helps make our organization fit-for-purpose. Any repositioning of UN development agenda should address gaps, build synergy and improve the accountability, steering clear from the politicization of development under any guise,” he made it clear.

According to the PM, Nepal supports the revitalization exercise of the UN General Assembly for streamlining its functions and ensuring fair gender and geographical representation at higher UN positions, among others.

The PM also shared the political developments in Nepal, saying, “Nepal’s transition to democracy from a decade long armed conflict through peaceful means demonstrates the power and promise of dialogue and negotiation over the perils of violent methods for political power. The national peace process that began in 2006 concluded with the promulgation of a democratic and inclusive constitution in 2015 through a popularly elected Constituent Assembly.”

This unique peace process, as he said, was home-grown and nationally-driven. Its successful conclusion has firmly established the culture of dialogue and accommodation, and could serve as a model for similar situations elsewhere. Nepal appreciates the support and understanding provided by the international community.

PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION CORE OF NEPAL’S INCLUSIVE DEMOCRACY
Moreover, the PM was of the view that proportional representation of all sections of Nepali society was at the core of Nepal’s inclusive democracy.

Recent local level elections have firmly established women’s role in politics and development, he informed, adding that the constitution guarantees 40% women representation at the local level and one third in the federal and provincial parliaments.

After successful local level elections, held in 20 years, the dates have been announced for the provincial and federal parliaments in two months from now, he stated.

He further said the ongoing transitional justice process combines our international commitment and ground reality of delivering justice and sustaining peace.

NEPAL PROFOUNDLY COMMITTED TO UN PRINCIPLES, PURPOSES
Concluding his address, PM Deuba reiterated Nepal’s profound commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations. The United Nations is made of big and small nations. Vast majority of UN membership comes from smaller countries, confirming the universality and legitimacy of the world body.

An edifice for a peaceful, stable, rule-based and just world order cannot be erected without addressing their genuine concerns for security, development and wellbeing, he added.

The PM went on saying that Nepal believes small nations have been sincere and serious in discharging their responsibilities as members of this body.

Even with their negligible economic and security resources, they have been playing a constructive role under the aegis of the UN for promoting peace, security and cooperation under the most difficult circumstances in various parts of the world.

BP’S QUOTE ON 1960’S UNGA REMINDED
He also recalled the wise words of BP Koirala, the first elected Prime Minister of Nepal, who told the fifteenth Session of this august Assembly in 1960, as “Our physical strength may be negligible, but our moral strength, if we are true to ourselves and to the peoples for whom we speak, may be great.” This statement is as relevant today as it was then, he reminded.

The PM called on everyone to collectively display wisdom, knowledge and capacity to address the pressing issues of peace, security, disarmament and sustainable development with due respect to the internationally accepted rules to ensure a safe and stable world order. RSS

RISHI DHAMALA:  Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, during his five-day state visit to India, has become successful in winning the trust of his counterpart Narendra Modi. The Indian government placed PM Deuba’s visit as of high significance. PM Deuba had embarked on a trip to India on August 23 at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Within a few hours of his arrival in the Indian capital, Indian Prime Minister Modi called on a ‘surprise warm-up’ meeting with PM Deuba. And, the 30 minutes long one-to-one talk between the two visiting head of the state is a matter of great significance from any diplomatic point of view; and it has already gestured towards producing extraordinary outcomes.

After Deuba raised the issue of constitution amendment in Delhi following his bilateral meeting with Modi, it provoked a number of harsh criticisms in Nepal from the opposition parties and even the ruling partner CPN (Maoist Center) questioning the supremacy of Nepal’s sovereignty and parliament. Also, the understanding on expediting of DPR of the Koshi high dam construction at the back of the fresh memories of devastating floods and landslides in southern plains also invited anger among Nepali people.

Despite this, his India visit can be taken as of huge success as it was focused on strengthening of relations and expansion of development cooperation and connectivity thereby enhancing economic and diplomatic ties.

Experts analyze that India is aware of Nepal’s increasing bilateral alliance with economic powerhouse China. In this backdrop, it was Indian PM Modi’s strategic move to develop closer ties with Nepal’s top political leaders in his hand.

Although four prime ministers of Nepal have paid courtesy visit to India, since Modi became prime minister in 2014, Deuba was the first after the then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to receive special welcome at his arrival at Indira Ghandi International Airport when he was welcomed by the then Indian PM Dr Manamohan Singn in 2063 BS.

Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj herself received Deuba giving a message of special respect and significance. After Koirala, numerous prime ministers from Nepal had India visits but failed to receive such accolade.

PM Deuba also called on Indian President, Vice-president and other top leaders of India during his visit. His counterpart Modi called on Deuba twice. He invited PM Deuba at the former’s official residence and held a meeting a day prior to scheduled meeting. Although the meeting was informal in nature, such meetings added to the cordiality of the relations among them. The meeting helped boost the bilateral relations and cement the mutual trust—clearing any misunderstandings and strains between the two sides.

A joint press conference was organized after the bilateral talks. The 46-points joint press release was focused on the effective implementation of past accords made so far between Nepal and India and the future projects.

Deuba clearly raised the issues of national interest during the meeting. Modi also expressed his happiness about Deuba’s proposals. The important achievements of the bilateral visit was the understanding to expedite the detailed project report (DPR) of the Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project, electricity supply from India to end the load shedding in Nepal, cooperation in the sub-regional, regional and international forums for development and promotion of two countries’ cultural relations and necessary support from India for the national pride projects declared by the Nepal government.

Deuba also raised the issue of constitution amendment in Delhi and expressed his commitment to amend constitution to make it acceptable to all the communities. Although it evoked angered criticism from opposition parties in Nepal, it shows Deuba’s is gaining support from international communities to direct Nepal in the path of constitution implementation and political stability. It may be noted that Indian PM Modi has always mentioned that Nepal’s constitution should be inclusive and represent the voice of all people and communities of Nepal.

The disgruntled Rastriya Janata Party Nepal also registered at the Election Commission for the upcoming elections while PM Deuba was in India visit—thanks to Deuba’s tactical ability which finally persuaded the disgruntled sides to come abroad the election process. Indian PM Modi also congratulated Deuba for successfully holding local level elections and pledged any kind support in the process of constitution implementation.

One of the most significant achievements of this visit is: Deuba’s invitation to Indian PM for laying foundation stone to the much awaited Arun III project. Indian PM Modi has also expressed his wish to visit Nepal again. He had visited Nepal in 2014. His another visit to Nepal will prove another milestone for both the countries in strengthening diplomatic ties and moving forward in the path of peace and prosperity.

Indian PM Modi has always given high emphasis on infrastructure development in Nepal. He wants to establish connectivity between the two countries through railway construction and accelerate the Postal Highway construction. Concrete measures for the proper utilization of water resources are also the agendas of top priority.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadru Mahara’s role was very important in making Deub’s visit successful. Likewise, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjiv Singh Puri has also remained very much successful in developing positive diplomatic ties between the two countries.

KATHMANDU, Aug 25: CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ argued that there is no need to discuss about the issues of constitution amendment with foreign powers as it is the matter of internal affairs.

Dahal’s comment comes after Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is on a five-day state visit to India at the invitation of his counterpart Narendra Modi, speaking at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Thursday, assured Delhi that constitution would be amended.

“The constitution amendment recently failed at the parliament. There is no possibility of amending it immediately. Amendment matters is Nepal’s internal affair. There is no need to talk about it to foreign leaders from foreign country,” said Dahal while addressing a party’s training program in Surkhet.

Dahal further highlighted the necessity of directly elected executive president and added that his party would start campaign to advocate for the same.

KATHMANDU, Aug 21: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that capable students should be produced in Nepal.

Inaugurating the centenary celebration program of Tri-Chandra College in Kathmandu on Monday, Prime Minister Deuba said that students capable to work inside the country should be produced and stressed the need of providing employment-oriented education.

Stating that the country would move ahead with stability and unity among political parties for the same, the Prime Minister claimed that the nation will progress after the election of provincial assembly and the federal parliament. “Both elections are a must for successful implementation of the constitution,” he said.

Saying rights of all would be established after full implementation of the constitution, he said that now no one could snatch federal republic rights.

The Prime Minister said that the Tri-Chandra College has played a leading role in the big political changes that have taken place in the country and stressed that it should also play a leadership role in the academic field. He also expressed commitment to provide possible support to the College during his term in office.

On the occasion, Campus Chief Prof Dr Pradeep Bahadur Neupane said that the college has been established as a model college of the country in the education sector.

At the inaugural function, PM Deuba honoured litterateur Satya Mohan Joshi, Narkanta Adhikari, lecture Purushottam Singh Dangol, Dipak Krishna Shrestha, Dr Roshani Maiya Shrestha, 16 TU readers, employees and students.

Chandra Shumsher Rana had established the college in Bhadra 5, 1975 B.S. -RSS 

Photos: Mukunda Kalikote