Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the United Nations General Assembly this week, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on countries least responsible for global emissions. Speaking about the recent devastating floods in Nepal, Shah underscored the urgent need for international support and solidarity as his country and its neighbors grapple with escalating climate-related disasters.

At 36 years old, Shah is the youngest leader to speak at this year’s General Assembly. A former rapper and engineer, he framed Nepal’s predicament within a broader regional context, emphasizing that the climate crisis is not confined to his nation alone. “We did not create this crisis, yet we are paying a colossal price for it,” he stated, describing the floods as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable countries in South Asia.

Shah called attention to the shared experience of countries across the region, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, all of which have been impacted by climate change despite having limited contributions to global warming. He further highlighted the compounded difficulties these countries face, as they are affected not only by environmental disasters but also by regional conflicts. “Hit by the climate we did not warm, and hit again by the wars we did not start,” he said.

The prime minister’s remarks reflect growing calls from developing nations for increased climate finance, adaptation measures, and fairer global environmental policies. Nepal, positioned in a vulnerable mountainous region prone to extreme weather events, has experienced recurrent floods, landslides, and other hazards linked to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.

Shah’s speech received positive attention for its candid appeal to the international community to recognize the disproportionate burdens borne by countries with minimal historical emissions. As global climate talks continue, voices like Nepal’s underscore the need for richer nations to intensify efforts to support those on the frontlines of climate impacts.