United Nations

Nepal has formally requested the United Nations to postpone its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status to November 2029, citing significant economic challenges. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cited five key reasons for the deferral, including the impact of regional conflicts, risks to preferential market access, and slow transition preparations.

The Global Gathering of Pastoralist Women has commenced in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, with Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Geeta Chaudhary stating it will strengthen commitments to recognize the rights and dignity of women herders. Organized by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) with UN and FAO assistance, the event aims to amplify pastoralist women's voices and address their concerns globally.

Nepal has formally requested a postponement of its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, seeking to extend the timeline to November 2029. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deferral request, citing concerns that losing LDC-specific benefits could expose the economy to serious shocks during a fragile period. The government has communicated its position to the United Nations, highlighting global instability, regional conflicts, and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic as key pressures.

The United Nations is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity with the theme 'Acting locally for global impact,' commemorating the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of ecosystem collapse due to climate chaos, pollution, and unsustainable exploitation, noting a significant decline in wildlife populations and a high risk of species extinction. Nepal is being recognized globally for its community-led conservation model, particularly its successful community forestry program.

The United Nations has criticized the Taliban government's new 31-article decree on marriage separation, stating it "reinforces systemic discrimination" and erodes the rights of Afghan women and girls. The decree, approved by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, reportedly makes separation procedures more complicated for women than for men and suggests child marriage may be permitted.

The United Nations reported that approximately one civilian died every 14 minutes in global conflict zones throughout 2025, with explosive weapons destroying lives and essential infrastructure. Adam Wosornu, Director of the Crisis Response Division for OCHA, briefed the Security Council, highlighting that civilians are often direct victims, not just collateral damage. The UN also noted a worsening hunger crisis, with around 147 million people facing acute food insecurity due to conflict and aid obstruction.