Prime Minister of Nepal, Balendra Shah, popularly known as "Balen," has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world for 2026 by Time Magazine. The 36-year-old leader, categorized under "Leaders," was also recognized as one of the 24 most impactful global figures.
The British-based media outlet highlighted Shah’s unique journey from a "former hip-hop star" to the youngest Prime Minister in Nepal’s history. Appointed on March 27, 2026, following a landslide victory in the March 5 general elections, Shah’s rise is viewed as a major disruption to South Asia's traditional dynastic politics.
Time noted that his victory was fueled by "unprecedented youth support" and a widespread distaste for the established political guard. The magazine cited his past social media critique—"All politicians, new and old, are thieves"—remarking that the people of Nepal now hope he will "prove himself wrong."
A structural engineer by training, Shah is now tasked with scaling the reforms he pioneered as Mayor of Kathmandu—specifically in waste management, education, and health—to a national level.
Shah shares the prestigious list with global figures including:
The list honors those "changing culture in unprecedented ways," marking Shah’s transition from a local reformer to a globally recognized political figure.
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