At a time when discussions on climate change and its adverse impact on the environment and public in general are gaining momentum, Kathmandu will be playing host to an international conference on ‘Water, Environment and Climate Change: Knowledge Sharing and Partnership’ from April 10-12.

The three-day event, being organised by the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage in association with the Society of Public Health Engineers Nepal (Sophen) and Nepal Engineers Association, will be discussing various issues related to climate change impact mitigation, water management, sustainable development goals and environment conservation.

The event will bring together nearly 500 participants, including experts, researchers, policy makers, entrepreneurs and representative from civil society organisations with expertise on water, environment and climate change, from 20 different countries, according to the organisers.

“We expect to learn from each other’s experience of working in these sectors. Knowledge and experience exchanged during this conference could be used in our country’s policy, planning and other aspects while dealing with these issues,” said Ramdip Sah, president of SEPHON.

Former prime minister of South Korea Dr Han Seung-soo and Bambang Susantono, vice president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), are among the dignitaries attending the event. Also participating will be representatives from 28 local levels and 10 water and sanitation user groups. A total of 17 keynote papers will be presented during the event.

There will be 26 sessions of discussions covering a total of 116 papers on 15 diverse subjects like Water Laws, Policies, Politics & Regulations; Role of Local Government in WASH Sector; Integrated Water Resources Management; Economic, Environmental and Social Impacts of Climate Change; and Climate-Induced Hazards and Risks among others.

According to Bhusan Tuladhar, Regional Technical Advisor South Asia at UN-Habitat, the conference will serve as a platform for sharing ideas through papers, discussion and site visits.

“The event presents an opportunity for participants, representing different sectors and levels to learn from each other as it will bring together experts from Nepal and other countries with massive experience in the field,” said Tuladhar, a key-note speaker of the conference.