CREASION (Centre for Research and Sustainable Development Nepal), with support from the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions and in partnership with GRID-Arendal, organized a stakeholder consultation on 4 October 2026 under the project “Enabling Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Waste Management Systems through Awareness-Raising and Capacity Building for Local Authorities in Nepal.” The consultation brought together representatives from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, City Planning Commission, ward offices, government agencies, private sector, waste management organizations, informal waste workers, civil society and other stakeholders.
The meeting focused on the preliminary findings of the project’s diagnostic assessment and discussions on practical ways to strengthen gender-responsive and inclusive waste management systems. The preliminary assessment identified gaps in institutional recognition and coordination, social inclusion and participation, economic opportunities and livelihoods, and occupational health and safety.
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Aruna Karki, President, CREASION, emphasized that different aspects of waste management are interconnected and that understanding challenges at the field level is essential for developing practical solutions. Ms. Roshna Subedi, General Secretary, CREASION, provided an overview of the project and highlighted that the findings will inform the development of a practical Diagnostic Brief and Toolkit for local authorities and future capacity-building activities.
The consultation also featured virtual participation from CREASION’s international partners. Ms. Susan Weingfiled, Programme Officer, UNEP, highlighted the essential role of waste workers, particularly women, and stressed the importance of occupational safety, environmental conditions and dignified work. She emphasized that the project should translate research into practical action through the toolkit and training.
From GRID-Arendal, Ms. Ieva Rucevska, Senior Expert, Pollution, emphasized that waste management is closely linked with environmental and climate management and involves multiple actors across the waste chain. Ms. Maria Tsakona, Senior Expert, Waste and Marine Litter, stressed the importance of bringing field-level experiences into practical solutions and called for continued action beyond the consultation, with clear roles for local and municipal authorities.
Presenting the preliminary findings, Ms. Roshna Subedi highlighted key concerns around limited recognition of informal waste workers, limitedcoordination with authorities, limited participation of women and vulnerable groups, livelihood and market-access challenges, and gaps in appropriate PPE, health services, sanitation and safe working conditions.
Participants then engaged in group discussions on institutional and governance, social inclusion and participation, economic empowerment and livelihoods, and occupational health and safety. Key issues raised included the need for stronger recognition of waste workers, women’s meaningful participation, social protection and health insurance, appropriate and user-friendly PPE, health camps, sanitation and menstrual health facilities, better coordination, and stronger municipal capacity.
The discussions also highlighted that waste workers’ needs cannot be addressed through PPE alone. Participants called for greater involvement of waste workers in decision-making, improved working conditions, stronger social and economic protection, and practical systems for coordination between municipalities and waste workers.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Ram Prasad Nepal, Civil Engineer, Environment Management Department, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, emphasized that inclusive waste management requires ownership and collaboration among all stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of awareness and implementation of waste segregation, recycling and upcycling policies, while recognizing waste workers as essential actors in the system. He also stressed the need for household-level source segregation and for viewing waste as a potential resource rather than simply something to discard.
The consultation concluded with a shared commitment to move from discussion to action. Stakeholder inputs will inform the project’s Diagnostic Brief and Toolkit, with a focus on strengthening municipal capacity and ensuring greater recognition, safety, dignity, participationand livelihood opportunities for waste workers. The meeting reinforced that building an inclusive and gender-responsive waste management system requires collaboration among local authorities, waste workers, government agencies, private sector, civil society and development partners.
