Under the EU-funded GreenShift project, three Youth Advocacy Groups - BAS Nepal, Saral Nepal, and CARD Nepal - organized TagMe orientation sessions in their respective communities. These events aimed to equip young people with the knowledge and tools needed to track and manage waste effectively using the TagMe app. TagMe is a digital platform that enables communities to identify, report, and monitor waste accumulation, contributing to improved waste management solutions.

CARD Nepal, based in Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City, hosted its TagMe orientation on March 22. The event brought together 40 participants, including 14 women and 26 men. Facilitated by Shyam Kumar Sah, Anju Kumari Yadav, and Janardhan Bhandari, the session provided an overview of the project and a hands-on demonstration of the TagMe reporting process. The event was also supported by Waste Smart Fellow Pradip D.C., who shared insights into waste mapping and its importance in sustainable waste management.

Similarly, Saral Nepal conducted its TagMe orientation in Bharatpur Municipality on March 21, engaging 24 young participants. The session introduced the TagMe app as an innovative tool for tracking waste, highlighting its role in promoting a circular economy. Waste Smart Fellow Monika Gurung also participated in the event, sharing her experiences in advocating for better waste management practices and encouraging the participants to take an active role in addressing local waste challenges.

In Kohalpur Municipality, BAS Nepal held its orientation session on March 29 with 15 local youths. Waste Smart Fellow Prem Prakash Budathoki supported the session, guiding participants on how to use the TagMe app to document waste hotspots in their community. The event reinforced the importance of youth involvement in waste management and their potential to drive change towards a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Through these orientations, the Youth Advocacy Groups are empowering young people with practical skills to contribute to waste reduction and sustainability in their municipalities. With support from GreenShift, these young leaders are actively improving waste management in their municipalities and working towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Under the EU-funded GreenShift project, BAS Nepal organized the 'Back to Nature' initiative on March 21 in Kohalpur Municipality. The event aimed to raise awareness about plastic pollution, encourage responsible waste management, and hold local government officials accountable for addressing waste-related issues. Through interactive discussions, BAS Nepal engaged local communities in two separate sessions held in Ward No. 2 and Ward No. 5.

In Ward No. 2, a total of 46 community members participated in the discussion, which also saw the presence of ward representatives. The session focused on the harmful effects of plastic pollution, proper waste management practices, and the need for efficient waste collection systems. Participants actively shared their concerns and discussed possible solutions, emphasizing the importance of waste segregation and collection services in the municipality.

Similarly, in Ward No. 5, 26 community members took part in an engaging dialogue on waste management challenges and the role of community action in creating a cleaner environment. The session was attended by Ward Chairperson Mr. Dipendra Shrestha, who acknowledged that significant work remains to be done in improving waste management systems. He expressed the ward's willingness to collaborate with BAS Nepal to enhance sustainable waste solutions in the community.

In total, the initiative reached 72 participants, including 58 women and 14 men, reflecting a strong community interest in environmental sustainability. The event also featured placard demonstrations as part of the orientation to reinforce key messages on plastic waste reduction.

Through the 'Back to Nature' initiative, BAS Nepal continues to empower communities in Kohalpur to take action against plastic pollution and work towards a sustainable and waste-free future.

The five-days technical training for Waste Smart Fellows was successfully conducted from 3rd to 7th March 2025. The training aimed to enhance fellows technical skills and understanding of Solid Waste Management (SWM) and Circular Economy, while familiarizing them with the goals and components of the GreenShift Nepal project.

It focused on building their capacity to assess local waste management systems and adapt to practical challenges. Key sessions covered topics such as Nepal’s current waste management landscape, GESI and stakeholder analysis, communication strategies, policy frameworks on SWM, data collection and cleaning using Tathyanka, basic GIS and Map Book components, TagMe application orientation, youth in data-driven advocacy, and OpenStreetMap exercises with the field visit to Material Recovery Facility.

The training provided both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling the fellows to contribute effectively to waste management initiatives and promote data-driven, sustainable solutions at the local level.

The GreenShift Nepal Project, funded by the European Union, successfully conducted a two-day Capacity Building Training for Youth Advocacy Groups (YAGs) from Janakpur and Bharatpur on February 25-26, 2025. The participating youth groups, CARD Nepal from Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City and Saral Nepal from Bharatpur Metropolitan City, were selected as part of the Youth Advocacy Group initiative of the GreenShift project. Both groups were awarded Rs. 2 Lakh to implement circular economy promotion and plastic reduction activities in their communities.

The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of youth leaders in environmental advocacy, circular economy, and waste management while equipping them with practical tools to drive meaningful community initiatives.

The training began with an interactive session on the objectives of the GreenShift Project and the roles of its consortium partners: CREASION, Restless Development Nepal, and Youth Innovation Lab (YI-LAB). Participants were introduced to key themes such as Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), child protection policies, and the fundamentals of circular economy and waste management. A key highlight was the introduction of the Tag Me app, an innovative tool that enables users to map waste hotspots and advocate for better waste management systems.

"This training has given me a new perspective on how small actions in waste management can lead to big environmental changes," said one of the participants from CARD Nepal.

The second day focused on practical skills, including Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), financial management, and communication strategies. Participants were also guided on branding and visibility techniques to enhance the reach and impact of their initiatives.

"One of the most valuable sessions was on financial management. It helped me understand how to plan and execute community projects efficiently," said one of the representatives from Saral Nepal.

The training concluded with the finalization of action plans for the second year of their advocacy efforts, ensuring that participants left with clear strategies for implementation in their respective municipalities.

The event wrapped up with certification of participation and closing remarks from the facilitators, reinforcing the commitment to youth-led climate action and sustainable development.

The GreenShift Nepal Project, funded by the European Union, conducted a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) from February 22 - 24, 2024, for teachers from community schools in Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City and Bharatpur Metropolitan City. This initiative was carried out under the Climate Smart Schools component of the GreenShift Project. The training aimed to help teachers integrate climate action and circular economy principles into their school activities. Teachers were equipped to cascade the circular economy curriculum to students in their schools. The training was primarily facilitated by consultant Deepak Marhatta, who played a key role in developing the Circular Economy curriculum.

The training began with discussions on climate change, environmental challenges, and waste management. Teachers participated in interactive activities such as the Melting Ice Experiment and the Waste Relay Race to deepen their understanding of climate change. “This training has been an eye-opener. I now understand how simple changes in waste management at school can have a big impact on the environment,” shared a teacher from Janakpur.

On the second day, the focus shifted to plastic waste management, environmental pollution, and student-friendly advocacy techniques. Teachers learned how to develop interactive games and activities to make sustainability education engaging for students. A site visit was also conducted, allowing them to witness waste management challenges firsthand and explore practical solutions. “I always thought waste management was a complex issue that required large-scale intervention. This training showed me how small, everyday actions in schools can bring meaningful change,” said a teacher from Bharatpur.

The final day covered gender equality, safeguarding, financial processes, monitoring and evaluation, and communication guidelines. External facilitators from Restless Development and CREASION joined virtually for these sessions. Teachers then worked on school action plans to introduce climate-smart initiatives in their classrooms. The training concluded with a certification ceremony, recognizing their active participation in the three-day ToT. “I feel more confident in teaching environmental topics now. This training gave me the knowledge and resources to engage students in climate action,” shared a teacher from Janakpur.

A two-day technical training aimed at strengthening private waste enterprises was conducted successfully at the CREASION Office on February 24–25, 2025. The training brought together nine participants from six enterprises, focusing on enhancing both organizational and technical capacities for improved waste management operations. Prior to this training, the representatives of ten enterprises including these six enterprises were trained for their capacity building and to groom them for the idea pitching and proposal refinement. This was second round of technical training that covered t key topics, including the role of waste management enterprises, organizational management, financial literacy and compliance, legal frameworks, environmental safeguarding, reporting and documentation, and financial management. As part of the training, participants visited a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to observe gender-friendly infrastructure and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices. The visit provided valuable insights into best practices, helping enterprises identify areas for improvement and enhance their operational efficiency. This initiative underscores CREASION’s commitment to empowering waste enterprises and promoting sustainable waste management practices across Nepal. 

On February 23, the Waste Smart Fellow Ms. Monika Gurung conducted an orientation meeting at Bharatpur Metropolitan City.

The primary objective of the meeting was to provide an overview of the GreenShift Project and clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of the Waste Smart Fellow. A total of nine participants attended the orientation, including the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and representatives from various departments. During the session, participants expressed interest in the upcoming stakeholder meeting, which will focus on assessing needs and gaps on waste management. They also showed enthusiasm for the upcoming technical transfer training, recognizing its importance in adopting structured waste management strategies. Given the current lack of comprehensive waste management reports and reliable data, participants stressed the urgency of implementing the planned activities. Overall, the meeting was successful, with the CAO assuring full support for advancing the project and implementing key initiatives to improve waste management in the city. 

The Orientation and Stakeholder Meeting was successfully held on 23rd February 2025 at Kohalpur Municipality, with over 60 participants, including municipal officials, ward chairpersons, youth groups, waste workers, and representatives from Jatayu Recyclers (Private waste management organization) and other organizations.

Hosted by Waste Smart Fellow Mr. Prem Prakash Budhathoki, the meeting focused on the briefing the objectives of the GreenShift Project, it's components, roles and responsibilities of the Waste Smart fellow and identifying the key issues in solid waste management (SWM) in Kohalpur Municipality. The participants emphasized the need for awareness campaigns, strengthened partnerships, improved policy implementation, investment in technical resources, GPS tracking of waste vehicles, and the identification of an alternative landfill site. Overall the meeting was successful and concluded with a shared commitment to take collective action toward improving SWM in Kohalpur Municipality.

An interaction program was organized by Balmiki Samaj, with the presence of the Mayor, Ward Chairperson, Head of the Environment Department, and other key stakeholders of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City. A total of 60 participants attended the event, which primarily focused on the wellness and rights of Balmiki Samaj members, who have made significant contributions to the sanitation efforts of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City.

On February 4, the GreenShift Nepal team signed a MoU with Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City for the implementation of the Waste Smart Fellowship Program. Prior to the signing, briefing of the fellowship program and MoU was done with the Mayor Mr. Manoj Kumar Sah. The signing event took place in the presence of Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Raj Kumar KC, Ward 10 Head Mr. Mithilesh Singh and Forest and Environment Officer Mr. Subhash Chandra Sharma. 

Fellows will be responsible in collecting waste data, assess local waste management capacity, identify gaps, develop action plans and engage officials on plastic waste issues. They will also train youth in waste data collection to support policy-making and strengthen municipal waste management.

#GreenShiftNepal #WasteSmartFellowship #SustainableWasteManagement #CircularEconomy #YouthEngagement #EnvironmentalSustainability

In a significant step toward promoting environmental stewardship among students, the GreenShift project has successfully selected 12 community schools in Bharatpur, Kohalpur, and Janakpur under its Climate Smart Schools initiative. This program aims to embed sustainable waste management practices, promote circular economy principles, and empower young students as climate advocates.

The selection process prioritized schools demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, existing waste management initiatives, and a willingness to integrate climate-smart practices into their daily operations. An extensive outreach campaign was conducted across Bharatpur, Janakpur, and Kohalpur, followed by orientation sessions for interested schools. Institutions were then invited to submit Letters of Interest, leading to a careful shortlisting process. Based on the selection committee’s evaluation, four schools from each city were chosen, making a total of 12 Climate Smart Schools.

Selected Schools

Kohalpur Municipality (Banke District)

• Shree Bal Shiksha Secondary School – Kohalpur Municipality-13, Bhairaiya

• Shree Janata Secondary School – Kohalpur Municipality-3, Maithawa

• Shree Gyanjyoti Secondary School – Kohalpur Municipality-12, Chapargaudi

• Shree Jan Gyan Jyoti Secondary School – Kohalpur Municipality-1, Kaushilanagar

Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City (Dhanusha District)

• Shree Tribhuvan Adarsha Secondary School – Janakpurdham-23, Bindhi

• Shree Kantir Jha Model Secondary School – Janakpurdham-25, Babhangaama

• Shree Rastriya Secondary School – Janakpurdham-20, Rupetha

• Shree Janata Secondary School – Janakpurdham-19, Shivpur

Bharatpur Metropolitan City (Chitwan District)

• Shree Rastriya Secondary School – Bharatpur-7, Krishnapur

• Shree Laxmi Secondary School – Bharatpur-23, Jagatpur

• Shree Gunjanagar Secondary School – Bharatpur-18, Gunjanagar

• Shree Sahid Smriti Secondary School – Bharatpur-6, Parasnagar

As part of the initiative, the selected schools will receive technical guidance, Training of Trainers (ToT) on circular economy curriculum, and essential resources to implement and sustain climate-smart interventions. Each school will also be awarded a grant of Rs. 1 lakh to support climate-smart activities, ensuring the successful integration of sustainable practices within their institutions.

With the growing urgency of climate action, the GreenShift project continues to reinforce the critical role of young people in driving environmental change. By transforming schools into models of sustainability, this initiative is paving the way for a greener and more resilient future.

In a major step toward strengthening youth leadership and community engagement, the selection process for Youth Advocacy Groups (YAGs) under the GreenShift initiative has been successfully completed. Three youth groups-one from each of Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City, Kohalpur Municipality, and Bharatpur Metropolitan City-have been selected to lead advocacy efforts on plastic waste reduction and circular economy initiatives in their respective communities.

The selection process involved a call for proposals, outreach, and orientation sessions conducted across Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City, Kohalpur Municipality, and Bharatpur Metropolitan City. Interested groups were provided with guidance on the initiative’s objectives and the application process.

Submitted proposals were thoroughly examined, and a shortlist of promising groups was created. The shortlisted groups were then invited for interviews, after which one winning group from each city was selected based on their commitment, capacity, and proposed initiatives.

Selected Youth Groups

CARD Nepal - Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City

BAS Nepal - Kohalpur Municipality

Saral Nepal - Bharatpur Metropolitan City

The selected youth groups will receive technical guidance and capacity-building training to implement plastic waste reduction and circular economy activities effectively. Additionally, each group will be awarded a grant of Rs. 2 Lakh to carry out their initiatives, ensuring impactful and sustainable community engagement.

As the world faces growing environmental challenges, empowering youth-led advocacy is crucial in driving sustainable change. Through this initiative, GreenShift is fostering young leaders who will champion circular economy solutions and promote environmental sustainability in their communities.

The Youth Advocacy Grant under the EU-funded GreenShift Project is empowering young leaders to drive environmental advocacy in their communities. This year’s grant winner, BAS Nepal from Kohalpur, participated in a two-day Capacity Building Training from January 29–30, 2024, in Kohalpur Municipality.

The training, facilitated by Restless Development Nepal in collaboration with CREASION and Youth Innovation Lab, focused on waste management, circular economy, and climate advocacy. It also introduced BAS (Bageshwori Asal Shasan) Nepal to project management essentials, monitoring & evaluation (M&E), financial guidelines, and communication guidelines.

"Young people have the power to lead meaningful change," said Karuna Thapa, Program Coordinator at Restless Development Nepal. "This training ensures that BAS Nepal is equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to implement impactful climate advocacy initiatives."

The sessions featured interactive games and discussions to enhance participants' understanding of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) principles. Participants also worked on a problem tree exercise, identifying major environmental issues in Kohalpur and brainstorming solutions.

One of the key highlights of the training was a demonstration of the TagMe app, a digital tool that enables young people to map and track waste in their communities. Participants practiced using the app and learned how to integrate it into their advocacy efforts.

"The TagMe app is a game-changer for waste management," said a participant from BAS Nepal. "It allows us to document waste hotspots in real time and push for action from local authorities."

A special session featured Hem Raj Bhatta, Chairperson of NICE Nepalgunj, the previous year’s Youth Advocacy Grant winner. He shared his experiences leading climate action efforts and motivated the new grantees to take bold steps.

"Our work in Year 1 made a real impact, and I have no doubt BAS Nepal will continue the momentum," Bhatta said. "This training provides the foundation they need to drive meaningful change."

The training concluded with the finalization and submission of BAS Nepal’s action plan for Year 2, marking a major step toward youth-led environmental advocacy in Kohalpur.

The GreenShift Project, funded by the European Union, conducted a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) for Climate Smart Schools from January 26–28, 2024, in Kohalpur Municipality. This training aimed to equip focal teachers, principals, and accountants from four selected Climate Smart Schools from Kohalpur with knowledge and skills to implement the Circular Economy Curriculum effectively.

The training, led by Restless Development Nepal, introduced interactive and experiential learning approaches to enhance teachers' understanding of waste management, climate change, and circular economy principles.

Throughout the training, participants took part in problem tree exercises, waste segregation games, and a solid waste relay challenge, helping them visualize real-world environmental issues and explore solutions.

Day 1 focused on understanding climate change and waste management. Teachers participated in exercises such as the ice melting experiment to demonstrate global warming and a waste sorting relay game to introduce color-coded dustbins for waste segregation.

On Day 2, participants explored the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) principles through interactive games like a snakes and ladders challenge on plastic waste and a relay game identifying different waste types. They also engaged in a creative upcycling session, transforming waste materials into reusable items.

The final day of the training emphasized monitoring and evaluation (M&E), financial guidelines, and communication protocols to ensure smooth implementation of the curriculum in schools. Teachers also developed action plans for their schools, outlining strategies for engaging students in environmental sustainability.

"The training provided us with practical tools to teach students about waste management," shared a participant from Shree Gyanjyoti Secondary School. "We are excited to take these lessons back to our classrooms and inspire students to be climate leaders."

The training was facilitated by consultant Deepak Marhatta, who played a key role in developing the Circular Economy curriculum.

GreenShift Nepal has signed a MoU with Kohalpur Municipality to advance the Waste Smart Fellowship program under this project. The MoU was signed on January 28 in the presence of Kohalpur Municipality Mayor, Mr. Purna Prasad Acharya, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Maan Bahadur Giri, and City Police Head, Mr. Bir Bahadur Thapa, along with representatives from the project implementation team.

Under this partnership, the Waste Smart Fellowship will focus on data collection, waste hotspot mapping, youth engagement, and the implementation of evidence-based waste management interventions. By advancing the collaboration between local stakeholders the approach aims to create a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.

#GreenShiftNepal #WasteSmartFellowship #SustainableWasteManagement #CircularEconomy #YouthEngagement #EnvironmentalSustainability

GreenShift Nepal began the new year with impactful outreach events in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, engaging schools and youth groups under its Climate Smart Schools (CSS) and Youth Advocacy Grant (YAG) initiatives. These events aimed to inform and inspire local participation in advancing environmental sustainability and circular economy practices. To encourage greater involvement, GreenShift Nepal extended the application deadline for Bharatpur to January 10, 2025.

On January 6, the GreenShift team, led by Restless Development Nepal, conducted an outreach orientation at Narayani Secondary School for the Climate Smart Schools program. The event saw a notable turnout, with 46 participants representing 37 schools in Bharatpur. Suwas Chandra Acharya, from the Education Department of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, inaugurated the session, emphasizing the program's community-wide benefits.

“This initiative will benefit not just individual schools but the entire community in Bharatpur,” Acharya remarked.

Karuna Thapa, Program Coordinator at Restless Development Nepal, provided an engaging overview of the CSS program, highlighting its emphasis on circular economy principles. She also explained the application process and encouraged schools to participate, emphasizing the opportunity to create climate-resilient educational spaces. Participants expressed enthusiasm, recognizing the program's potential to empower youth and contribute to sustainable solutions.

On January 7, a Youth Advocacy Grant orientation was held at Mokshalaya Multipurpose Pvt Ltd, Ward -7, Bharatpur. The session included 16 participants representing six youth organizations, many already active in community development and environmental initiatives. Karuna Thapa facilitated the orientation, explaining the grant's objectives, application process, and the potential for youth-led initiatives to tackle climate challenges.

Participants showed interest in leveraging the TagMe app for waste hotspot mapping and advocacy campaigns. They engaged in dynamic discussions, showcasing their commitment to preparing strong proposals aligned with GreenShift’s goals.

These outreach events reflect GreenShift Nepal’s dedication to empowering schools and youth groups to lead environmental change. Four schools and one youth group from Bharatpur will be selected to receive funding and support, enabling innovative approaches to waste management and sustainability in the community.

On November 23, GreenShift Ambassadors gathered for an inspiring and impactful interaction session that highlighted their collective commitment to sustainability. The virtual event was great, bringing together the GreenShift Ambassador First Cohort.

A huge shoutout goes to all the Green Ambassadors for their unwavering dedication and hard work!  Their efforts are driving meaningful change and creating a lasting impact that will benefit future generations. We thank all the yound minds for their continued commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable planet!

Read GreenShift Quaterly Bulletin Here!

Click here to read full bulletin.

On November 21, GreenShift Nepal successfully organized outreach programs for government secondary schools and local youth advocacy groups in Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City. The events aimed to introduce the Climate Smart Schools initiative and the Youth Advocacy Grant program, empowering participants to contribute to sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

The Climate Smart Schools outreach session was held at the Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan Hall, with participation from teachers representing 15 government secondary schools in the area. Education Officer Anju Pandey of Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City attended the event and emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable practices into local schools. Sangita Maharjan, Program Manager at Restless Development Nepal, facilitated the session, providing an overview of the GreenShift project and the opportunities available for participating schools.

In another outreach session held at Life Nepal’s hall, representatives from 12 youth advocacy groups, including Greenspace Nepal, Ekta Youth Power of Nepal, Sano Prayas, and Many Nepal, gathered to learn about the Youth Advocacy Grant program. The session highlighted how local youth groups can engage in initiatives to promote waste management, environmental sustainability, and community development.

The youth groups outreach session also saw active participation from the Youth Sounding Board (YSB), a European Union platform amplifying youth voices in development cooperation. Representing the third cohort of YSB, Md Nayim Rain from Janakpur contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the role of youth in driving sustainable initiatives and aligning with the EU’s commitment to inclusive development.

These outreach events mark a significant step in GreenShift Nepal’s mission to drive local participation in its initiatives and spur long-term community-led efforts toward a circular economy.

On November 13, GreenShift Nepal conducted a successful outreach program in Kohalpur Municipality, targeting local government secondary schools and youth advocacy groups. Organized in collaboration with the municipality, the event showcased the potential of the Climate Smart Schools initiative and the Youth Advocacy Grant program to transform Kohalpur.

The outreach event, attended by key local stakeholders, including Education Officer Rabilal Mijar, emphasized the project’s long-term benefits. “The grant is an excellent opportunity for schools to foster sustainable plastic waste management practices and instill a sense of environmental responsibility among students,” Mijar remarked during his address.

The GreenShift Nepal team led the overall session, engaging focal teachers from 12 government secondary schools in Kohalpur. The program empowered teachers by providing insights into how the Climate Smart Schools initiative can enhance their capacity and support sustainable practices within educational institutions. Ishwori Pd B.K, Coordinator of the Social Development Committee, added, “This initiative will not only promote environmental sustainability but also strengthen future planning for our schools.”

Following the school-focused session, the GreenShift team engaged with local youth groups, including Bas Nepal, Kohalpur Youth Club, and Lions Club of Kohalpur, with a total of 21 youth representatives in attendance. During the session, participants expressed enthusiasm for integrating the Youth Advocacy Grant into their community efforts. “Programs like these are vital for maintaining cleanliness and improving our environment,” shared a representative from Kohalpur Youth Club.

City Police Chief Bir Bahadur Thapa also attended the event, extending his gratitude for the initiative and pledging support for the Youth Advocacy Grant. “This is a step in the right direction for building a cleaner and more sustainable Kohalpur,” he said.
GreenShift Nepal’s outreach session not only introduced the project’s opportunities but also inspired active participation from schools and youth groups in Kohalpur, paving the way for impactful collaborations in the year ahead.

As part of its second-year initiatives, GreenShift Nepal invites government secondary schools from Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City, Kohalpur Municipality, and Bharatpur Metropolitan City to apply for the Climate Smart Schools program. This program aims to foster environmental sustainability by integrating climate-smart practices into school operations.

A total of 12 schools (3 from each municipality) will be selected based on specific criteria to participate in this transformative initiative. Selected schools will gain access to capacity-building sessions, resources, and guidance to promote sustainable practices.

Schools in these municipalities are encouraged to apply and take the lead in driving a circular economy and addressing climate challenges.

For more information, interested schools are urged to contact 9802353604 or visit the social media pages of the project's partner organizations - Creation, Restless Development Nepal and Youth Innovation Lab.

GreenShift Nepal is calling for proposals from youth advocacy groups in Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City, Kohalpur Municipality, and Bharatpur Metropolitan City to apply for the Youth Advocacy Grant. This initiative supports youth groups in implementing community-based projects focused on environmental sustainability, waste management, and circular economy promotion.

One youth advocacy group from each municipality will be selected (3 groups in total) to receive the grant and implement innovative solutions aligned with GreenShift Nepal’s objectives.

Eligible youth advocacy groups are encouraged to seize this opportunity to lead impactful change in their communities.

Details of the call for proposals are available on JobsNepal. Interested groups can apply through the link: https://www.jobsnepal.com/call-for-proposals-youth-advocacy-grant-135701.

On October 24, 2024, We wrapped up our first year with a two-day Annual Review & Experience Sharing program, uniting all stakeholders and beneficiaries from our diverse initiatives: Private Waste Enterprises, Climate Smart Schools, Youth Groups, and Waste Smart Fellows.

Hosted collaboratively by CREASION and our consortium partners—Restless Development and Youth Innovation Lab—this event was a powerful reflection of our achievements. On day one, we reviewed our project’s progress and impact, sharing invaluable insights from our beneficiaries, and on day two we celebrated our achievements of the first year, honoring all our stakeholders' and beneficiaries.

The event was graced by Majali Shakya Bajracharya, Deputy Mayor, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, H.E. Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo, EU Delegation to Nepal, Geertrui Louwagie, Deputy Head of Cooperation, European Union, Aanand Mishra, Founder & President, CREASION, Pradip Khatiwada, Executive Director, Youth Innovation Lab and Sangita Maharjan, Program Manager, Restless Development Nepal.

 Together, we paused to celebrate our collective efforts and the strides we’ve made toward a just transition to a circular economy. This gathering embodied the essence of GreenShift: to engage, educate, and empower every voice in this transformative journey.

On October 24, 2024, during the Annual Review & Experience Sharing Program, we touched upon different components of the project, acknowledging and honouring our stakeholders.

A highlight of the day was the announcement of the top six winners (from Bagmati, Lumbini and Madhesh Province) of the Private Waste & Upcycling Enterprises grant, each receiving NPR 20 lakh to support their enterprises.

This component of the project aims to directly contribute to the increment in the efficiency of plastic waste collection and sorting. The technical capacity of six selected waste enterprises will be enhanced through Financial Support to Third Party (FSTP).

This activity will directly help in the strengthening of the waste collection mechanism.

The Top Six Winners are:

Bagmati Province:
 

1. S. M. Kabadi Center 
2. Halesi Kabad traders  
3. Nepal Fulbari Waste 3R Pollution Control Service  Pvt.Ltd

Madhesh Province:

1. New Mahakali Scrap Udhyog  
2. Namaste Recycle Traders   

Lumbini Province:

1. Rahees Scrap Suppliers  

Congratulations to all the winners!

On October 24, 2024, we celebrated the Annual Review & Experience Sharing Program, where we reflected on various project components and recognized our invaluable stakeholders.

A highlight of the event was the launch of our educational resource, the "Exercise Book on Climate Change and Circular Economy," aimed at students in grades 5 to 9 at Climate Smart Schools. Titled “अभ्यास पुस्तिकाः जलवायु परिवर्तन र चक्रिय अर्थतन्त्र,” this handbook addresses critical topics such as environmental pollution, climate change, global warming, greenhouse gases, waste management, and the principles of a circular economy. Its mission is to educate, inspire, and empower students through their teachers, equipping them with the knowledge needed to combat plastic pollution and create cleaner, greener communities.

By instilling these values from an early age, the handbook aspires to encourage the behavioral changes necessary for a sustainable future. The launch was honored by H.E. Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo of the EU delegation in Nepal, alongside our main beneficiaries—the students of the Climate Smart Schools.

You can find the digital version of the book here: BOOK

On October 24, 2024, we gathered for the Annual Review & Experience Sharing Program, where we reflected on various aspects of our project and honored our invaluable stakeholders.

During the event, we recognized our three Waste Smart Fellows for their remarkable contributions to local government and policy reform in solid waste management. Present were Om Shanti Thapa from Nepalgunj and Awanish Adhikari from Lalitpur, while our Bardibas fellow, Samyog Dhakal, shared a heartfelt video message as he could not attend in person.

The Waste Smart Fellowship is an integral part of our project, offering young, passionate individuals the opportunity to collaborate closely with municipal governments, gaining valuable hands-on experience in solid waste management and environmental sustainability.

As part of the GreenShift project, CREASION conducted a comprehensive two-day ‘Training and Capacity Building’ program tailored for the Top 10 Private waste and upcycling enterprises selected to compete for the project grant. The training aimed to equip these enterprises with the tools and knowledge needed to align with GreenShift’s mission and maximize their potential impact.

Participants engaged in in-depth sessions covering the project’s objectives, the specific goals of the grant, and the critical support role that CREASION will play throughout this process.

In addition to these foundational topics, the training delved into essential areas such as organizational and team management, safeguarding practices, and the integration of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) within their operations. The sessions also provided a platform for the enterprises to share their unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

The training culminated in a detailed briefing on the selection criteria and a framework for the final pitch day, ensuring that all participants are well-prepared to present their proposals. The active participation and insightful contributions from all enterprises highlighted their commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation in waste management and upcycling.

Residents of Dhapali Tole, Ward No. 9 of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, have pledged to transform their community into a model clean and hygienic neighborhood.

This commitment was made during a community-level orientation on environmental conservation organized by NICE Nepalgunj under GreenShift project in collaboration with the European Union, Restless Development Nepal, CREASION, Youth Innovation Lab, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, and Ward No. 9. The orientation took place on August 19, 2024.

During the discussion, locals expressed their determination to uplift their previously neglected community and make it an exemplary one. They committed to timely waste management, conducting cleanliness campaigns, and raising awareness about hygiene at the household level. Recognizing the importance of collective effort, they urged all stakeholders to support this initiative.

Ward No. 9 Chairperson Govinda Regmi assured full support from the ward office in making Dhapali Tole, a central location within the ward, a model community. Applauding the locals' initiative, Chairperson Regmi pledged to work towards the cleanliness and beautification of the community as needed.

Ambika Koirala, the coordinator of the Shiv Santoshi Tole Development Committee, also requested all residents to contribute to this endeavor. She affirmed the committee's full commitment to the cause. Mohanlal Sonkhar, the chairperson of Sarmapan Nepal, an organization working on waste management in Ward No. 9 under Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, expressed his happiness at the community's initiative and assured full support from the organization.

A seven-member committee headed by Chhiring Sherpa has been formed to oversee the transformation of Dhapali Tole into a model clean community.

During the community-level orientation, which was part of the 'Youth Advocacy for a Beautiful Nepalgunj' program, Hemraj Bhatta, the chairperson of NICE Nepalgunj, provided an overview of waste management practices in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, environmental conservation measures, and the roles individuals and community development committees can play in waste management.

The program, facilitated by NICE Nepalgunj Vice-Chairperson Shobha Thapa Magar, was attended by Ward Chairperson Govinda Regmi, ward members, Shiv Santoshi Tole Development Committee coordinator Ambika Koirala, Sarmapan Nepal chairperson Mohanlal Sonkhar, among others. The orientation was conducted at two different locations within the community.

On International Youth Day, the Youth Groups from GreenShift Nepal Project, conducted various activities engaging diverse community members to educate, aware and engage them through various ways for mitigating plastic pollution.

Our Youth Group in Bardibas-Bardibas Youth Network organized an inter-school quiz competition among five schools: Shree Janata Secondary School Gauridanda, Shree Hattilet Secondary School, Shree Derail Secondary School, Shree Janata Secondary School Bardibas, and Shree Panchadhura. It's incredible to witness the youth of today stepping up to uplift the next generation, educating and inspiring them towards a sustainable future. Kudos to the passionate members of the Bardibas Youth Network and all the students who participated. Your dedication is lighting the way for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

On International Youth Day, the Youth Groups from GreenShift Nepal Project, conducted various activities engaging diverse community members to educate, aware and engage them through various ways for mitigating plastic pollution.

Our Youth Group in Nepalgunj, conducted an inter-dialogue program on the access of youth and adolescent girls to digital technology and BAS/Braitland Youth Award 2024 was organized in Nepalgunj. The program was jointly organized by NICE Nepalgunj and other youth organizations and networks (NGO federation, district youth club network, BAS Nepal etc). Former Minister for Social Development of Lumbini Province Ratna Khatri was the chief guest at the programme. The program was conducted by Hemraj Bhatta, Chairperson of NICE Nepalgunj. More than 120 youths participated in the event. The program was organized in collaboration with Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City.

Read GreenShift Monthly Bulletin for July 2024 Here!  

July Edition|GreenShift Bulletin

Teachers from Nepalgunj’s Climate Smart Schools received essential training on financial management and effective communication on July 24, 2024. Karuna Thapa, Programme Coordinator at Restless Development Nepal, imparted knowledge on financial aspects, while Ashish Ghimire, Communications and Partnership Officer, focused on communication strategies, including social media and press engagement.

The training aimed to enhance the teachers’ capacity to manage project resources efficiently and effectively communicate the project's impact to the community.

On July 22, our Climate Smart Schools in Nepalgunj held an inter-school quiz competition focused on Circular Economy.

The competition took place at Nepalgunj Kanya Secondary School with participation from students of the Climate Smart Schools in Nepalgunj: Nepalgunj Kanya Secondary School, Adarsha Secondary School, Mangal Prasad Model Secondary School, and Shree Jaya Janata Secondary School.

Students enthusiastically competed, deepening their knowledge of environmental sustainability. This event provided students a valuable platform for learning, sharing knowledge, and inspiring a passion for protecting our planet.

On 16th July, 2024, CREASION for the GreenShift Nepal project, officially signed a contract for the 'Development of Provincial and Local SWM Policy Guidelines' with WindPower Nepal Pvt.Ltd.

Read GreenShift Monthly Bulletin for June 2024 Here!  

Link: https://shorturl.at/h7i44

The GreenShift team set out for outreach sessions for the #GreenShift campaign in Bharatpur, Birgunj, Bardibas and Janakpur. The outreach aimed to promote the campaign and its objectives among the youth to increase their engagement and participation for various upcoming activities under the campaign. The outreach sessions reached over 100 youths from the above-mentioned areas from various colleges and universities with enthusisatic and passionate youths. The GreenShift Campaign is yet again coming up with exciting challenges and campaigns to engage youth from all over Nepal.

Stay tuned in our Social media Platforms for exciting updates regarding the #GreenShift Campaign.

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/creasionorgg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creasionorg/?igsh=bmFvYzF2djRiZXM4&utm_source=qr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creasion/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true

The GreenShift team set out for the outreach sessions for the Plastic waste & upcycling enterprises grant in Ichchhakamana, Bharatpur and Birgunj on 28th, 29th and 30th June 2024 respectively. Further sessions in Bardibas and Janakpur was also organized on the first week of July, 2024.. During the outreach, potential private plastic waste & upcycling enterprises were visited to conduct a detailed session about the grant and application process.

During the outreach, the team also had the honor of meeting the Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, Mr. Satish Kumar Singh, Mayor of Birgunj, Mr. Rajesh Man Singh, and the Mayor of Janakpur, Manoj Kumar Shah to discuss about further collaborations on efficient Plastic Waste Management.

The deadline for the grant is 30th July, 2024.

For more information, follow the link:https://shorturl.at/VMvOF

An Information session for the Plastic Waste & Upcycling Enterprises Grant was organized on June 26, 2024, for all interested applicants for the Plastic waste & upcycling enterprises grant in Kathmandu. The information session consisted of detailed information about the grant, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits for the applicants, selection criteria, and scope of activities supported through the grant. The session was attended by different interested applicants wanting to know more about the Grant and it's detailed process. 

The deadline for the Grant is 30th July, 2024. For more information, follow the link: https://shorturl.at/VMvOF

On May 31st, 2024, Nearly 900 students from Shree Adarsha Saula Yubak Secondary School, a designated Climate Smart School in Lalitpur Metropolitan City under the Greenshift project, took action by planting trees!

Students from grades 6 through 9 participated enthusiastically, while learning the power of environmental action. The Climate Smart School initiative is designed to empower them to become future leaders in sustainability.

A three day Training of Trainers (ToT) for the teachers of the selected Climate Smart Schools under the GreenShift Nepal project was organized from May 23-25, 2024.

The training gathered focal person and teachers from 12 selected schools from Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Bardibas Municipality and Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City. The aim of the training was to train and well equip the teachers on the climate smart curriculum developed by the project and the concepts under it as well as the learning methods to teach students about waste management and circular economy in diverse ways.

The teachers indulged in interactive discussions and engaged in the sessions very well which helped the sessions to be more fruitful. The three day training proved to be very interactive, engaging and helpful for the project team as well as the selected schools to pave a way forward, create action plans and develop implementation strategies.

We look forward to a meaningful and continuous collaboration with the school to move one step closer to a better and sustainable communties. #GreenShift

Amidst the growing trend of Nepali youths seeking opportunities abroad, there shines a beacon of hope. Young leaders from three different provinces in Nepal are shouldering the responsibility of shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

The saying "Youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow" resonates deeply with GreenShift, and now, the youth groups have embraced this sentiment as they become part of the GreenShift initiative. As the project progresses with its activities, engaging various stakeholders, the youth have united to contribute to GreenShift's mission and vision: promoting a just transition to a circular economy.

In total, three youth groups from Bardibas Municipality, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, and Lalitpur Metropolitan City have been selected after a rigorous selection process. These youth groups, now integral parts of GreenShift, will receive grants to establish avenues for sustainable communities, raise awareness, engage and educate local governments and communities, all while enhancing their understanding of the importance of the circular economy.

Having witnessed the dire consequences of plastic pollution and waste management issues, these youth have crafted detailed proposals filled with innovative ideas for implementation in their respective communities.

After the two-day Capacity Building Training conducted by the team of CREASION, they're committed to ensuring inclusivity through various means, engaging diverse stakeholders, adopting a bottom-up approach, prioritizing sustainability and impact, and ultimately contributing to GreenShift's vision of achieving a Circularity of Plastic Waste for Net-Zero Carbon Nepal.

As we conclude the training with these young leaders, we are one step closer to our mission of shifting towards a just and sustainable world. This brings us closer to realising a future where today's youth truly become the leaders of tomorrow.

CREASION was a part of EU-Nepal Business Forum 2024 which kicked off on May 15th, bringing together European investors and the Nepali private sector to explore Nepal’s potential for trade, investment and business. Hon’ble Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, H.E. Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo, EU Delegation to Nepal, Myrian Ferran, Deputy Director General International Partnerships, European Commission, Eloisa Astudillo, Deputy Head of Cooperation, European Union and many people attended the business forum and visited stalls including ours. Plenary session was another highlight of the day where Ms.Sujata Koirala, General Secretary of CREASION joined panelists to discuss on investment opportunities and challenges in different sectors outside of the valley.

Read GreenShift Monthly Bulletin Here!

Link: https://bitly.cx/pm9

On 9th April, 2024, CREASION organized a stakeholders’ meeting at Bardibas municipality to discuss about the growing issues of plastic pollution in the municipality and way forward.

In the meeting, the Deputy Mayor of Bardibas Municipality, Tara Devi, Government school teachers and students, Youth activists shared about the collaborative initiative undertaken through GreenShift Nepal project, funded by the European Union, to address these growing issues.

The school teachers and students from the newly established climate smart schools under the GreenShift project also shared their opinions, expectations and way forward as a climate smart school. Similarly, the Deputy mayor and members from the Bardibas Municipality also expressed their full support for the implementation of GreenShift Project. All the ambassadors present also had a meaningful conversation with the stakeholders present at the meeting.

The event was graced by Ambassador H.E Veronique Lorenzo, European Union Delegation to Nepal, Deputy Head of Cooperation, Eloisa Astudillo, European Union Delegation to Nepal, Ambassador H.E. Gilles Bourbao, Embassy of France, Ambassador H.E. Thomal Prinz, Embassy of Germany, Deputy Head of Mission, Christian Kamill, Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi.

CREASION, with the support of European Union, organized the National launch of project GreenShift Nepal, a project aimed to promote a just transition to circular economy.

The event was held at the grounds of regional office of CREASION in Bharatpur, Chitwan, marking the project's official commencement. GreenShift Nepal is a four-year project which will be implemented in 9 municipalities – 3 in each of Bagmati, Madhesh, and Lumbini provinces. The project implementation is led by CREASION through the consortium partners Restless Development, and Youth Innovation Lab (YI-LAB).

The event started with a formal session with a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests by Sujata Koirala, General Secretary of CREASION and two Student representatives from one of our Waste Smart Schools in Bharatpur. The welcome remarks highlighted the importance of a collective effort towards achieving circularity of plastic waste. Further, the event marked the official launch of the project by watering a plant in a recycled pot, stressing the importance of Shifting towards Circular Economy and its relation to biodiversity.

Furthermore, the presentation session started with Yunish Ghimire, Project Lead of GreenShift Nepal, from CREASION Sabin Dotel Waste Smart Fellow Coordinator, Youth Innovation Lab,Sangita Maharjan from Restless Development. They introduced the project, giving a detailed walk through of the project areas, project objectives target groups and beneficiaries and the timeline of the project and the detailed components and activities. The presentation summed up the overall project and what it aims to achieve over four years.

Further, Eloisa Astudillo, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, emphasized the importance of harnessing the vitality of youth to promote circularity of plastic waste, a priority issue for the EU. She expressed her eagerness to witness transformative efforts in the three provinces of the projects in the coming four years duration.

Further, speaking at the event, Prashant Bista, Mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, provided his special remarks, emphasizing more efforts and projects like such and importance of youths towards promoting a sustainable future for all.

Ganesh Shah, Former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, expressed his eagerness with the commencement of the project and shared his experience in the environment and waste management sector in Nepal.

In another special remarks, Masina Khadka, Hon’ble Minister of Forest and Environment, Bagmati Province, expressed her happiness of seeing such collective effort to tackle issues of waste management and waste workers in Nepal. She expressed her eagerness of wanting to see the positive changes the project will bring in the coming years and expressed her full support to the project.

Aanand Mishra, Founder and President of CREASION, concluded the event with gratitude to the EU and other partners, affirming the organization's dedication to promoting circularity of plastic waste for Net-Zero carbon Nepal, emphasizing the importance of collective and compassion-based effort of all.

Further, sustainable gifts were handed to the special guests.

The event shifted towards an informal session with a tour of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) inside the CREASION Regional office, showcasing our commitment towards plastic circularity.

The grounds of the regional office were also filled with 10 different climate smart entrepreneur stalls, such as Kanduk Industry, Eco-Revive, Kleanit Nepal, showcasing their eco-friendly and sustainable products, one of which were also a stall from CREASION showcasing our jackets made from 100% recycled PET bottles.

On top of that, there was also a table with Recycled plant pots where guests planted their own selected plants in recycled pots and took them home with them.

The event ended with interactive, engaging sessions with meaningful connections and networking, all for a collective vision, to promote just transition towards Circular Economy.

The Greenshift team has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bardibas Municipality for collaboration for the project. Through the Waste Smart Fellowship program, this project will place Waste Smart Fellows in three local governments for a period of six months after signing the MoU.

Green Shift: Circularity of Plastic Waste for Net-Zero Carbon Nepal (GreenShift Nepal) project is funded by the European Union to promote a just transition to circular economy. GreenShift Nepal is a four-year project which will be implemented in 9 municipalities – 3 in each of Bagmati, Madhesh, and Lumbini provinces. The project implementation is led by CREASION through the consortium partners Restless Development, and Youth Innovation Lab (YI-LAB).

With this collaboration, Bardibas Municipality has formally agreed on providing support for data collection for waste management, research and policy development and necessary support to the assigned waste smart fellows.

We deeply appreciate the collaboration and eagerly anticipate the forthcoming support for the GreenShift Project.

The Greenshift team has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bardibas Municipality for collaboration for the project. Through the Waste Smart Fellowship program, this project will place Waste Smart Fellows in three local governments for a period of seven months after signing the MoU.

Green Shift: Circularity of Plastic Waste for Net-Zero Carbon Nepal (GreenShift Nepal) project is funded by the European Union to promote a just transition to circular economy. GreenShift Nepal is a four-year project which will be implemented in 9 municipalities – 3 in each of Bagmati, Madhesh, and Lumbini provinces. The project implementation is led by CREASION through the consortium partners Restless Development, and Youth Innovation Lab (YI-LAB).

With this collaboration, Bardibas Municipality has formally agreed on providing support for data collection for waste management, research and policy development and necessary support to the assigned waste smart fellows.

We deeply appreciate the collaboration and eagerly anticipate the forthcoming support for the GreenShift Project.

CREASION conducted a two day staff orientation workshop for the Project Green Shift Nepal consortium partners. Green Shift: Circularity of Plastic Waste for Net-Zero Carbon Nepal project is funded by the European Union to promote the Circular Economy. The project will be implemented in Madhesh Province, Lumbini Province, and Bagmati Province through the consortium partners CREASION, Restless Development Nepal, and Youth Innovation Lab (YI-LAB).

The primary objective was to delve deeper into our shared vision for the project and chart a course for the future. Commencing with the workshop's first day, Ms. Shubhuti Ghimire, the Project Lead, provided comprehensive introductions and outlines.

Notable presentations were delivered by various departments, including the Finance Department and the Project Implementation Team from each consortium organization. Mr. Aanand Mishra, Founder and President of CREASION, set the tone with opening remarks, while Ms. Sujata Koirala, the General Secretary of CREASION, extended a warm welcome. The day unfolded with engaging group discussions, where teams deliberated on diverse activities spanning different components of the project and its implementation plans. Following these discussions, each group presented their insights and findings.

Another pivotal element was a group session focused on developing strategies, during which teams exchanged key findings. The day ended in a highly fruitful, interactive, and productive manner, marked by the enthusiastic participation and valuable contributions of all consortium partners.

The second day of the workshop commenced with a reflective session on the preceding day, featuring Ms. Prakriti Koirala's firsthand experiences from her participation in COP28. The day unfolded with a dedicated focus on Capacity Building Training led by two facilitators. Ms. Achala Dahal, the Director of Studies at Nepal Administrative Staff College (NASC), led the first training session. Her insightful presentation delved into the nuances of 'Effective Project Management' and discussed the crucial role of effective leadership in achieving project success.

Following this, Mr. Sabin Dhamala, a prominent media personality, took the stage for the second training. He delivered a compelling session on 'Strategic Communications, Visibility, and Stakeholder Engagement.' Mr. Dhamala shared invaluable insights on effective communication strategies and emphasized the importance of teamwork.

As the day drew to a close, it resonated positively with valuable feedback and engaging discussions among consortium partners. Mr. Aanand Mishra, the Founder and President of CREASION, provided a thoughtful conclusion to the two-day workshop, expressing gratitude and outlining a shared vision for the way forward.