Kathmandu, August 4
Singer/songwriter and environmental researcher, Ashra Kunwar, represented Nepal as a delegate and speaker at the 19th International Human Rights Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Kunwar was the only Nepali speaker at the summit, where she delivered a speech spotlighting the effects of climate change and human-wildlife conflict in Nepal – particularly on marginalized women.
Drawing from her PhD research and community work in Sandhikharka, Arghakhanchi, she brought international attention to stories and struggles that often go unheard.
“These crises are not just environmental, they are human rights issues,” Kunwar said. “Women in rural Nepal bear the brunt of both ecological breakdown and systemic inequality. Their voices must be heard at the global table.”
Her address emphasized the urgent need for intersectional and multilateral responses, arguing that local issues are interconnected with global justice.
Known for blending music with advocacy, Kunwar is currently pursuing her PhD in Sociology in the United States, with a focus on human-wildlife conflict. Through her songs, foundation work, and academic outreach, she has become a powerful voice for Nepalese youth and women, both at home and abroad.
Talking to Onlinekhabar, Kunwar said, “This experience left me inspired and even more committed to amplifying the voices of Nepali women and communities through my work in both research and art. I was honored to represent our people — and I hope this moment can uplift others as well.”
The summit, attended by youth leaders and human rights defenders from across the world, served as a platform for urgent global concerns, and Ashra Kunwar ensured Nepal’s concerns were firmly part of the conversation.
