Nepal calls for stronger, more effective UN dedicated to peace, human welfare, dignity

Nepal hopes for a stronger and more effective United Nations (UN), which is dedicated to the cause of world peace, human welfare and dignity, the Nepali foreign minister has said.

Prakash Sharan Mahat made the remarks here Monday while addressing a function organised to mark the 71th founding anniversary of the United Nations.

"Nepal views the UN as a very important multilateral forum where all member states, irrespective of their size or power, have a right to representation on the basis of the principle of sovereign equality," Mahat said.

"While we speak of the United Nations today, it is pertinent to speak on the important task of its reform which is in anvil for past quarter of a century," the minister added.

He said UN reform should include streamlining of the working methods to ensure transparency, efficiency and effectiveness to make the organization more democratic.

Mahat also said it is privileged for Nepal to have the opportunity of continuos participation in the UN peacekeeping missions since 1958.

"Nepali troops have earned respect and admiration from their exemplary service and courage to bring peace in the world," he said.

Currently, Nepal is the 6th largest troops contributing country in the UN Peacekeeping operations with current deployment of over 5,000 peacekeepers, according to him. Endit