Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah Spoke at the United Nations Wearing Sunglasses
Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah drew attention to the climate crisis in the Himalayas during his first speech at the UN General Assembly while keeping his signature black sunglasses on.
In his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated that global warming is destabilizing the Himalayan ecology, and he did not remove his trademark black sunglasses.
Speech at the United Nations
Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah took to the podium during Thursday's session of the United Nations General Assembly to address world leaders. In his speech, he described how global warming has been destroying and destabilizing the Himalayan ecology.
Traditional Style and Sunglasses
The thirty-six-year-old leader did not remove his rectangular black sunglasses during his address, which have become a part of his political and cultural identity. Alongside the sunglasses, he attracted attention by wearing a traditional black Nepalese cap and a black blazer jacket.
Habits of Wearing Glasses
According to the Kathmandu Post, Shah is selective about when he wears his glasses. While he wears them during parliamentary sessions, official ceremonies, and in photographs with foreign ambassadors, he removes his glasses during cabinet meetings.
Political Rise and Electoral Success
A former rapper who transitioned into politics, Shah won the mayoral election in Kathmandu as an independent in 2022. Following the youth-led uprising in September 2025, he achieved a historic victory in the parliamentary elections held in March.
Glasses Exceptions and Medical Reasons
Shah had previously appeared in public without his glasses in July following Hindu-Muslim clashes and in August when visiting flood-affected regions. Although the speaker of parliament introduced a ban on glasses, his office defended it by citing medical advice.