Plastic waste solutions showcased
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Fablab Nepal, Kleanit Upcyclers, and Paramendo Nepal jointly organized an event titled “PLASTIC: From Used to Useful” on June 5, 2025, at Impact Hub Kathmandu. The program, held under the P2G (Plastic to Ghar) Project, focused on innovative approaches to managing plastic waste in Nepal through technology, awareness, and community engagement. Supported by the UK’s FCDO in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, Korea University, and local partners, the project promotes the conversion of plastic waste into practical household items.
The event featured a live demonstration of Nepal’s first cycle-powered plastic shredder, talk sessions on circular economy and behavioral change, and a Circular Bazar showcasing upcycled products by local entrepreneurs.
Nepal to miss WSDC 2025
Debate Network Nepal (DNN) has announced that Nepal will not participate in the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) 2025, scheduled to be held from July 22 to August 1 in Panama City. The decision was made due to high travel and participation costs, despite ten years of continuous representation at the international event.
Last year, Team Nepal achieved a historic milestone by reaching the elimination rounds and finishing 15th out of 68 countries at the 36th WSDC held in Belgrade, Serbia. However, DNN cited financial limitations and logistical challenges as reasons for this year’s withdrawal.
While Nepal will not be present at WSDC 2025, the country will participate in the Asian Schools Debating Championship (ASDC) 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam, from June 15 to 18. Two teams—the Nepal National Team and the Nepal Developmental Squad—will represent the country at the regional event. DNN expressed appreciation to the ASDC 2025 organizing committee for their support in enabling Nepal’s participation.
Youth consultation held for upcoming UPR report
A regional youth consultation focusing on the upcoming national report under the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism was held in Kathmandu. The event gathered youth representatives from Koshi, Gandaki, and Sudurpaschim provinces. The one-day program was organized by Yuwalaya, with financial support from Plan International Nepal and technical partnership from the Women’s Service Society.
More than 57 youth-related organizations, clubs, and networks collaborated in the consultation, with 29 youth participants representing various districts of the three provinces. The session was facilitated by youth champions Sadikshya Nepal and Sweekriti Dangi, with technical support from Bhawana Bhatta of the Women’s Service Society.
Nepal–Jordan private sector collaboration poised for trade and economic expansion
In a step toward strengthening bilateral economic relations, Jordan has announced it will soon host a Nepali business delegation to explore trade and investment opportunities.
This initiative was unveiled during a high-level ceremony held in Kathmandu to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The non-resident Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Nepal Yousef Mustafa Abdelghani, on the occasion, emphasized the importance of private sector leadership in deepening economic ties between the two countries. “Governments will create enabling policies, but the real actors are the private sector,” he stated. “Jordan offers vast opportunities in sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, and we are eager to welcome Nepali businesses.”
During his official visit, Ambassador Abdelghani presented his credentials to the President of Nepal, Ram Chandra Poudel, and formally inaugurated the Honorary Consulate of Jordan in Kathmandu, marking a new chapter in Jordan-Nepal diplomatic and commercial engagement.
The ambassador also acknowledged the contributions of the approximately 3,000 Nepali workers currently employed in Jordan, and reiterated Jordan's interest in strengthening the Labour Agreement signed in 2017, with an aim toward greater transparency and expanded opportunities for Nepali workers.
The ceremony’s Chief Guest Ramhari Khatiwada, Chair of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee in Nepal’s House of Representatives, applauded Jordan’s proactive role in fostering peace in the Middle East and deepening trade relations with Nepal. “Jordan’s constructive approach in bridging the gap in trade and investment with Nepal is commendable,” he noted.
Honorary Consul of Jordan to Nepal Kunal Kayal highlighted the strategic potential of Nepal-Jordan collaboration. “Strategic engagement—guided by sector expertise and regional understanding—can unlock significant value in both markets,” he remarked, emphasizing opportunities in renewable energy, tourism infrastructure, and agriculture modernization.