KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population, Upendra Yadav, emphasized the importance of meaningful assistance from international development partners, including the UN, to Nepal for sustaining the achievements in the health sector.

Currently in New York, USA to attend the 57th session of the Commission of Population and Development, the Deputy Prime Minister held discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. During the meeting, Yadav highlighted the necessity of support from development partners for Nepal to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and maintain progress in the health sector.

At the UN Headquarters, Yadav reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to the UN charter and principles, acknowledging the UN's significant contribution to the country's socio-economic development. He informed the Secretary-General about Nepal's advancements in poverty alleviation, healthcare services, and the reduction of maternal mortality rates.

In response, Secretary-General Guterres recalled his visit to Nepal and expressed satisfaction with the Nepal-UN relations. He commended Nepal's initiatives in promoting human rights, world peace, security, and SDGs, pledging increased assistance to Nepal through various UN agencies.

Guterres stressed the importance of collective efforts to address the impacts of climate change, asserting that Nepal deserves climate justice. The meeting was attended by Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa, along with high-level officials from the Nepali government.