Kathmandu, Nepal | May 26, 2026 - A consultation program focused on the draft “Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Management Action Plan 2083” concluded successfully on May 25, bringing together a broad range of stakeholders to strengthen collective efforts against the growing challenge of air pollution in Kathmandu Valley and support citizens’ right to live in a clean and healthy environment.
The program was jointly organized by the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment and the Youth Alliance for Environment, in partnership with Save the Children and with support from SIDA.
More than 80 participants attended the consultation, representing government ministries and agencies, local governments, academic institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, researchers, environmental experts, media professionals, youth representatives, and children. The gathering created an important platform for dialogue and collaboration on one of Kathmandu Valley’s most pressing environmental and public health concerns.
During the consultation, participants actively reviewed and discussed the draft action plan, contributing technical observations, policy recommendations, practical experiences, and implementation perspectives. Discussions highlighted the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, evidence-based decision-making, effective implementation mechanisms, greater inclusivity, and wider public awareness to address worsening air pollution across the Valley.
A key theme emerging from the consultation was the importance of ensuring meaningful participation of youth and children in air quality governance. Participants emphasized that air pollution extends beyond environmental concerns and has become a significant public health and development issue requiring coordinated, long-term action across sectors and levels of government.
The consultation also served as an opportunity to collect feedback and recommendations to refine the draft action plan and make it more practical, inclusive, and implementation-oriented.
Stakeholders expressed the view that sustained collaboration among government institutions, communities, development partners, and citizens will be essential to translating policy commitments into measurable improvements in air quality and public well-being in Kathmandu Valley.
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