Balendra Shah, who has been a political icon since his 2022 mayoral win, addressed the General Assembly on Thursday, outlining how rising temperatures threaten the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. He made the address in his trademark black suit and dark sunglasses, a visual motif that has become synonymous with his political brand.
Shah’s sunglasses, a staple since his days as a rapper, have become a cultural touchstone, prompting online retailers to sell replicas and cementing his image as a modern, outsider leader.
He has kept the sunglasses on during most public appearances but has removed them on three occasions: after a 2025 Hindu‑Muslim clash, during a flood‑affected tour, and when consoling his supporters. The House Speaker once banned them, yet doctors advised Shah to wear them for protection against bright light.
The speech marked a rare public acknowledgment of the climate crisis by a South Asian prime minister, and the UN has called for a coordinated response to safeguard Himalayan glaciers.