inDrive Launches Kathmandu Clean Air Dialogue to Tackle Pollution with Nepalese Leaders

22nd February 2026, Kathmandu

inDrive organized the Kathmandu Clean Air Dialogue, convening government leaders, experts, civil society, and private sector representatives to strengthen collaboration on air quality solutions.

inDrive Kathmandu Clean Air Dialogue

The Dialogue focused on four key objectives:

• High-Level Stakeholder Alignment
• Mapping the Current Landscape
• Identifying Bottlenecks & Strategic Solutions
• Catalyzing Private Sector Engagement

Government participation was particularly encouraging. The Honorable Minister of Forest and Environment delivered the Chief Guest Address, remained actively engaged throughout the program, and highlighted both progress made and the need for intensified collective action. He commended inDrive and the Almaty Air Initiative (AAI) for bringing stakeholders together around a shared agenda.

Kathmandu’s air pollution challenges are multifaceted. A large share of emissions comes from biomass and household sources, while transport and industry are rapidly expanding. Winter smog is further intensified by geographic conditions.

Addressing these issues requires credible data, public trust, and coordinated governance — especially at a time when international support is declining and strong, locally owned systems are more important than ever.

The Dialogue also marked the starting point for the Nepal Taza Initiative (“Taza” means “clean” in Kazakh), inspired by AAI’s proven Brain, Voice, Bridge framework:

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Brain: Building trusted, data-driven systems — including independent monitoring networks, research, and advanced modeling.

Voice: Turning evidence into public understanding and demand for reform.

Bridge: Translating science and public support into lasting policy and institutional change.

Ms. Zhuldyz Saulebekova, CEO of the Almaty Air Initiative, said, “Lasting improvements in air quality require strong local systems built on credible data, informed citizens, and close cooperation with government. Our experience in Almaty shows that when evidence, public engagement, and policy come together, systemic change becomes possible. We are proud to support Kathmandu as it builds its own locally driven clean air pathway.”

The Kathmandu Clean Air Dialogue represents an important first step toward sustained, cross-sector collaboration to deliver cleaner air and long-term public health benefits for Nepal.

For more: inDrive Kathmandu Clean Air Dialogue