KATHMANDU: Stakeholders have underscored the need to explore innovative solutions to turn waste into useful resources, promoting a circular economy.

The event, the first-ever hosted by Nepal, was organized by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), the Coca-Cola Foundation, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Khaalisisi, Women for Human Rights (WHR), and CNIYEF, uniting key stakeholders to address Nepal’s waste management and climate challenges.

According to the organisers, the WMCC brought together government officials, industry leaders, environmental experts, and community advocates to tackle critical issues related to waste management, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

"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."

Issuing a recent statement, the organisers said that the 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 in the discussion, the statement added.

The conference explored innovative solutions to turn waste into useful resources, promoting a circular economy, said the organisers. It discussed issues like 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.”

House of Representatives members Sobita Gautam, Toshima Karki, and Uday Rana emphasized the crucial need for collaborative efforts in tackling environmental challenges. Their insights highlighted 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, highlighting the widespread interest and commitment to advancing waste management and climate action in Nepal.

According to the organisers, 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, added the statement.