Nepal’s first waste management and climate conference sets stage for sustainable future

KATHMANDU: Nepal hosted its first-ever Waste Management & Climate Conference (WMCC) at The Soaltee Kathmandu to commemorate World Environment Day. 

The event was organised by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), The Coca-Cola Foundation, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Khaalisisi, Women for Human Rights (WHR), and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum (CNIYEF), bringing together key stakeholders to address Nepal’s waste management and climate challenges.

The WMCC brought together government officials, industry leaders, environmental experts, and community advocates to address critical issues related to waste management, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

The opening ceremony, attended by Chief Guest National Assembly Chairman Narayan Dahal, showcased the conference's commitment to sustainability with a tree-planting ceremony. It featured opening remarks, a keynote speech, the unveiling of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), and the launch of the book 'ABC for Climate'. 

At the ceremony, Minister for Forests and Environment, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, discussed his ministry's climate action initiatives.

"The WMCC is a landmark event for Nepal," said Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, adding, "It reflects our mutual commitment to creating sustainable solutions for the environmental challenges we face."

A key component of the conference was the Mayor's Forum, which facilitated dialogue between local government officials and industry leaders on effective municipal waste management strategies. Mayors from Lalitpur, Dhangadi, Dhankuta, Budhanilkantha, and the deputy mayor from Chandragiri participated, with the session moderated by Dil Bhusan Pathak, host of TOUGH Talk.

The conference explored innovative solutions to transform waste into useful resources, promoting a circular economy. It discussed issues such as carbon emissions, plastic pollution, air pollution in Kathmandu, and the effects of climate change on the Himalayas, including Mt Everest. Presentations highlighted innovative waste management ideas from GIZ and Nepal's commitments to the Paris Agreement.

“This conference is a significant step towards empowering communities, especially women, to participate in climate action,” said Kabita Pandey, President of Women for Human Rights (WHR). “Together, we can drive meaningful change,” she added.

Remarks by House of Representatives (HoR) members Sobita Gautam, Toshima Karki, and Uday Rana emphasised the need for collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges. Their insights underscored the power of collective action in fostering sustainable solutions.

Nearly 1,000 delegates from 600 organisations across 33 districts and five countries attended the event, underscoring the widespread interest and commitment to advancing waste management and climate action in Nepal.

The WMCC served as a national platform, uniting government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, and industry experts. It fostered collaboration and policy dialogue to advance Nepal's waste management and climate agenda, driving tangible outcomes for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The event concluded with concrete commitments from various stakeholders, setting a clear roadmap for future actions. The collaboration and innovative ideas presented have laid the foundation for significant improvements in waste management and environmental policies, ensuring a lasting impact on Nepal’s sustainability efforts.

About The Coca-Cola Foundation

The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where their employees live and work. The foundation supports transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact.