DOHA: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a courtesy meeting today with Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel in Doha.

President Paudel is in the Qatari capital to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development, which began on Tuesday at the invitation of Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, leading the Nepali delegation to the summit.

During the meeting, President Paudel praised the UN Secretary-General’s continued role in implementing the Copenhagen Commitments and advancing social development.

He reaffirmed Nepal’s readiness to work closely with the United Nations to achieve shared goals of peace, social justice, and sustainable development.

“Following the Gen Z movement, a new government has been formed in Nepal. The movement demanded an accountable, responsible, and corruption-free governance system, and we are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the youth,” President Paudel said.

President Paudel noted that the House of Representatives has been dissolved and general elections announced for March 5, 2026.

He said Nepal is committed to holding free and fair elections that will provide a political way forward and ensure good governance, development, and prosperity.

“We have safely steered the country through the Gen Z movement and safeguarded Nepal’s Constitution and democracy,” President Paudel said.

Highlighting Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change, he said that despite negligible carbon emissions, Nepal is suffering from disproportionate and severe impacts.

“As you witnessed during your visit to the Everest Base Camp, our white mountains are turning black. These mountains are the water towers of Asia, but their rapid melting is threatening ecosystems and the livelihoods of people living in lower regions,” he said.

He expressed hope that the ongoing summit would reaffirm global commitment to social development and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, while addressing challenges such as poverty reduction, employment generation, and social inclusion.

President Paudel emphasized that social development, inclusion, and poverty reduction remain Nepal’s top priorities.

He noted that Nepal has achieved significant progress in poverty alleviation, human development, education, health, and access to social security.

“We are proud to continuously contribute to UN peacekeeping operations, which reflect Nepal’s unwavering commitment to international peace and security. I would like to thank you for your recognition of the contribution of Nepali peacekeepers,” he added.

Secretary-General Guterres assured that the UN is actively working to mobilize support from developed countries for climate adaptation in nations like Nepal affected by climate change.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to reducing global carbon emissions.

Guterres further commended Nepal’s record on human rights and expressed confidence that Nepal’s own institutions are capable of resolving its internal challenges independently.

President Paudel arrived in Doha on Monday to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development.

He was received at Hamad International Airport by senior officials from the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Nepal in Doha.

President Paudel is scheduled to return to Nepal on November 6 after attending the summit.