Lalitpur, Nepal | October 28, 2026
A programme focusing on road safety, community engagement and societal involvement successfully concluded today at Hotel Himalaya, Kupandole, Lalitpur, bringing together community road safety representatives, researchers, local government leaders and other stakeholders to exchange experiences and highlight the importance of community-led road safety initiatives.
The Road Safety Handbook Launch and Community Engagement and Involvement with Experience-Sharing Programme provided a platform to discuss community-level road safety efforts, share local experiences and present the process behind the development of a road safety handbook.
The programme included an opening session chaired by Prof. Dr. Abhinav Baidya of the Community Medicine Department at Kathmandu Medical College. Dr. Medha Joshi and Dr. Pushparaj Pant were among the key contributors to the event.
A presentation on the Community Engagement Index (CEI) report was delivered by Dr. Medha Joshi and Shubhash Dhungel, followed by a session on the process of preparing the road safety handbook by Pushparaj Bhatt, a researcher associated with WP1.
One of the major highlights was an experience-sharing session involving the chairpersons of eight community road safety groups. The session offered an opportunity to discuss community participation, local leadership and practical experiences in promoting safer roads and strengthening cooperation at the grassroots level. As the chief guest, Mr. Ashish Gajurel, Member of Parliament, addressd by the key issues.
The programme also featured the formal launch of the road safety handbook, with the participation of invited guests, municipal representatives and community road safety group leaders, in coordination with the WP1 team and Dr. Pratik Adhikari.
A separate coordination session brought together municipal mayors and rural municipality chairpersons to discuss the importance of collaboration between local governments and community-based initiatives. Representatives of the federal and local government systems, including members of the House of Representatives and associations of municipalities and rural municipalities, were also listed among the invited speakers.
The event concluded with a press briefing, lunch and the distribution of certificates and tokens of appreciation to participating local government representatives.
The successful completion of the programme underscored the importance of bringing together community experience, research and local governance to strengthen road safety awareness and promote social cohesion. Community-led approaches, supported by evidence and cooperation among stakeholders, can contribute to safer mobility and more resilient communities.
Ecosphere News recognises the importance of initiatives that connect local communities, public institutions and researchers to advance road safety, public health and sustainable development in Nepal.
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