As Nepal gears up for the 2024 Waste Management and Climate Conference (WMCC) on June 5, excitement is building among environmental advocates, government officials, and business leaders. The landmark event, jointly organized by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Khaalisisi, and the Coca Cola Foundation, with co-organisers Women for Human Rights and CNIYEF, aims to unite stakeholders to pioneer Nepal's waste management and climate future. Amun Thapa, founder of Khaalisisi, shared with The Himalayan Times the conference's goals, key sessions, and what attendees can expect.

The upcoming WMCC has garnered significant attention. Please share the vision behind this event?

The urgency behind the WMCC stems from critical environmental challenges plaguing Nepal and globally. Every day, a staggering 1.2 million kilos of waste are dumped into landfills just from Kathmandu, the valley's air quality ranks among the world's worst, posing significant health risks to its inhabitants. Furthermore, the alarming rate of Himalayan glacier melt, including the iconic Mount Everest, underscores the pressing need for immediate action. The WMCC serves as a vital platform to address these pressing issues, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders to seek innovative solutions and drive tangible change.

Please share the key highlights of the conference and what attendees can expect.

At the heart of WMCC is the Mayor's Forum, a rare occasion bringing together mayors from various metropolitans and municipalities nationwide to engage in a public forum.

In this pivotal 90-minute session, moderated by Dil Bhusan Pathak, host of TOUGH Talk, mayors will together explore innovative strategies and future outlooks, fostering collaboration and synergy among metropolitan and municipal bodies.

Another intriguing session is 'Waste is Weath'. Could you elaborate on what this entails?

'Can garbage really make you rich?' This is the intriguing question at the heart of the session & 'Waste to Wealth' at WMCC. Despite the common perception that waste equals wealth, the reality is far more nuanced. While the potential for economic gain from waste management is evident, few startups have capitalized on this opportunity, and investments in the sector remain limited. In this session, we bring together investors, startups, and policymakers to explore the challenges and opportunities of the waste industry.

Carbon and plastic credits are gaining traction globally. How is this topic being addressed at the conference?

Carbon and plastic credits are gaining traction globally, and while neighboring countries like India and China are experiencing a boom in this sector, Nepal has yet to see the industry formalize amidst regulatory complexities. At the conference, we'll explore this disparity and discuss strategies for Nepal to tap into the potential of carbon and plastic credits.

How can we leverage WMCC as a platform to formulate collaborative efforts to combat Nepal's alarming air pollution crisis?

We have a panel discussion on combating air pollution at WMCC, where sector experts, representatives from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) - recognizing air pollution as a human rights violation - members from the health sector, and policymakers will convene. This session serves as a pivotal opportunity to leverage the WMCC platform for formulating collaborative efforts to address Nepal's alarming air pollution crisis (one of the highest in the world).

Climate change is a pressing issue, especially for regions like Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest). How does the conference address the impact of climate change on such vulnerable areas?

Climate change is a pressing issue, especially for regions like Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) particularly regarding the melting of glaciers, especially in regions like Sagarmatha. To address this pressing issue, we've convened a special panel featuring Dr. Popular Gentle, Environment & Climate Advisor to the Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister of Nepal. Dr. Gentle will be joined by mountaineers and experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). This distinguished panel will provide insights, expertise, and firsthand experiences to deepen our understanding of the impact of climate change on vulnerable areas like Sagarmatha.

Besides these sessions, what other activities can attendees look forward to at the WMCC?

At WMCC, we will shine a spotlight on Nepal's commitment to the Paris Agreement by featuring a paper presentation that outlines our progress and initiatives in aligning with its principles. This session will provide visibility on where we currently stand regarding our targets under the Paris Agreement, showcasing the initiatives we have undertaken and those currently in progress. Additionally, we will showcase success stories from both local and international waste management and climate initiatives, celebrating the progress made and inspiring further action in line with our climate commitments. Moreover, an awards ceremony will recognize outstanding contributions to waste management, underscoring our dedication to sustainable practices. Furthermore, to foster environmental activism among students, we will host a 'Green College Champion' competition, aimed at engaging and encouraging young minds to contribute to our collective efforts towards environmental preservation.

Who are the key attendees at this event?

We are honored to have a diverse group of attendees, including government stakeholders, parliamentarians, corporate executives, delegates from UN missions, and representatives from various embassies. Their participation underscores the importance of the conference and the collective commitment to improving waste management and addressing climate change in Nepal.

What do you hope will be the long-term outcomes of the WMCC?

Indeed, WMCC holds immense promise for catalyzing transformative change. Among the many anticipated outcomes, we envision the creation of a comprehensive rapporteurs' report. This document will encapsulate key insights, recommendations, and action points generated throughout the conference and will be shared locally and internationally among concerned organizations, including the Government of Nepal. We anticipate heightened national and international awareness regarding waste management and climate issues, fostering collaborative efforts among stakeholders.

Additionally, we hope to secure pledges from esteemed organizations, including the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), to support ongoing initiatives. Ultimately, we aim for collaborative actions among participants representing esteemed organizations to drive meaningful change in waste management practices and environmental sustainability efforts.