KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 23 inDrive organised the Kathmandu Clean Air Dialogue in the capital, bringing together government leaders, experts, civil society actors and private sector representatives to strengthen collaboration on air quality solutions. According to the organiser, the Dialogue focused on four key objectives: aligning high-level stakeholders, mapping the current air quality landscape, identifying bottlenecks and strategic solutions, and catalysing greater private sector engagement. Government participation featured prominently, with the Minister for Forests and Environment attending as the chief guest. The minister highlighted progress made in addressing pollution while stressing the need for intensified collective action. He also appreciated inDrive and the Almaty Air Initiative for convening stakeholders around a common agenda. Speakers noted that Kathmandu's air pollution challenges are multifaceted. A significant portion of emissions originates from biomass use and household sources, while the transport and industrial sectors are expanding rapidly. Winter smog is further aggravated by the Valley's geography. Addressing these challenges, participants emphasised, requires credible data, public trust and coordinated governance, particularly at a time of declining international support and the growing need for locally owned systems. The Dialogue also marked the launch of the Nepal Taza Initiative - 'Taza' meaning 'clean' in Kazakh - inspired by the Almaty Air Initiative's Brain, Voice and Bridge framework. Under the 'Brain' component, the initiative aims to build trusted, data-driven systems through independent monitoring networks, research and advanced modelling. The 'Voice' pillar seeks to translate evidence into public awareness and demand for reform. The 'Bridge' component focuses on converting scientific evidence and public support into sustained policy and institutional change. Zhuldyz Saulebekova, Chief Executive Officer of the Almaty Air Initiative, said lasting improvements in air quality depend on strong local systems built on credible data, informed citizens and close cooperation with government. Drawing on experience from Almaty, she said systemic change becomes possible when evidence, public engagement and policy converge. Organisers described the Dialogue as an initial but significant step toward sustained cross-sector collaboration aimed at delivering cleaner air and long-term public health benefits for Nepal.