Kathmandu, Sept 1:  Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the global governance system with the United Nations at its core, calling for a fairer, more inclusive, and effective multilateral order. He made these remarks while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus (SCO+) Meeting during his official visit to China.

Highlighting China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), Prime Minister Oli said the proposal should reinforce the multilateral system by ensuring it is just, equitable, and beneficial for all, while fostering the spirit of a shared future for humanity.

“Despite extraordinary progress in science, technology, and innovation, the world is still plagued by deep inequality, economic instability, the climate emergency, and borderless conflicts that undermine global progress,” Oli said. He warned that no country can achieve prosperity or security in isolation. “Multilateralism is an inevitability of our time. Yet, we must face the harsh truth that the rules-based international order is under severe strain, and peace and justice remain distant.”

Prime Minister Oli expressed concern that multilateral forums have delivered more promises than tangible progress, eroding global trust. He stressed that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization could play a crucial role in reviving faith in multilateralism by upholding sovereign equality, fostering integration, and addressing pressing geopolitical, economic, and ecological challenges.

On security issues, Oli warned that terrorism, climate change, cyber-attacks, and pandemics are borderless threats. He noted that climate change, in particular, is placing Himalayan nations at risk: “The mountains, symbols of global climate stability, are losing their snow reserves at an alarming rate, threatening the lives of billions living downstream.” He also pointed out that with only five years remaining, the world is lagging behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Underscoring the role of regional cooperation, Oli said Nepal remains steadfast in its commitment to working within the SCO framework. He called for cooperation “from isolation to communication, from confrontation to consultation, and from competition to collaboration.” For this, he urged increased connectivity — physical, economic, digital, socio-cultural, and people-to-people — to secure peace, prosperity, and progress in the region.

He further stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, urging member states to embrace the “Shanghai spirit” of mutual respect, trust, and understanding. According to Oli, the world now requires more partnerships and fewer divisions to build a resilient system that ensures sustainable development without leaving any nation behind.

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Oli reaffirmed Nepal’s unwavering support for a rules-based and inclusive multilateral system. He expressed best wishes for the success of the SCO+ meeting and for the continued prosperity of all SCO member countries.