In a landmark event, Nepal hosted its first-ever Waste Management & Climate Conference (WMCC) at Hotel Soaltee in celebration of World Environment Day. The conference, organized by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), The Coca-Cola Foundation, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Khaalisisi, Women for Human Rights (WHR), and CNIYEF, brought together key stakeholders to address Nepal’s pressing waste management and climate challenges, with a significant focus on the tourism industry.
The WMCC united government officials, industry leaders, environmental experts, and community advocates to tackle critical issues related to waste management, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Chief Guest Rt. Hon’ble National Assembly Chairman Narayan Dahal emphasized the conference’s commitment to sustainability with a tree-planting ceremony. The event 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 closing ceremony, Hon’ble Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, Minister of Environment and Forest, discussed his ministry’s climate action initiatives.
“The WMCC is a milestone event for Nepal,” said Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “It reflects our shared commitment to creating sustainable solutions for the environmental challenges we face.”
A notable component of the conference was the Mayor’s Forum, facilitating 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.
Tourism, a vital sector for Nepal’s economy, was a key focus of the discussions. The conference explored innovative solutions to turn waste into valuable resources, promoting a circular economy crucial for sustainable tourism. Topics included carbon emissions, plastic pollution, air pollution in Kathmandu, and the effects of climate change on the Himalayas, including Mount 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 take part in climate action,” said Kabita Pandey, President of Women for Human Rights (WHR). “Together, we can drive meaningful change.”
Remarks by Hon’ble House of Representatives members Sobita Gautam, Toshima Karki, and Uday Rana emphasized the crucial need for collaborative efforts in tackling environmental challenges, highlighting the power of united action in fostering sustainable solutions.
Nearly 1,000 delegates from 600 organizations across 33 districts and 5 countries attended the event, demonstrating 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 groundwork for significant improvements in waste management and environmental policies, ensuring a lasting impact on Nepal’s sustainability efforts and enhancing the appeal of Nepal as an eco-friendly tourist destination.