Your Excellency Sushil Koirala, Prime Minister of Nepal, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaste!

Let me start by expressing my condolences to those who have lost loved ones and suffered from two devastating earthquakes.

Nepal has stood strong during this crisis.

I commend the exceptional efforts of the country’s government and people – in particular the youth who have found new and innovative ways to help their country.

Your visit yesterday to some of the worst affected areas has allowed you to see the extent of the damage and the urgent need for financial support.

This conference is an opportunity to build a new partnership to support Nepal to get back on its feet and to build back stronger and safer.   

The United Nations stands ready to support the government and people of Nepal in this endeavour. 

I am confident that Nepal with its resilient people will be able to recover from this devastating disaster.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful conference.