Watch the highlight of the Workshop here.

The one-day workshop on “Enhancing Science-Policy Integration in Waste Management” was held on 13th August 2025 at the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), Islamabad. Organized by the National Academy of Young Scientists (NAYS) in collaboration with PAS, INGSA-Asia and ISC RFP-AP, the event brought together more than 80 participants from diverse backgrounds including academia, policymakers, industry experts, NGOs, and community representatives.

The workshop was supported by the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA)-Asia and the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific (ISC RFP-AP), through the Grassroots Science Advice Promotion Awards 2024 program, awarded to Dr. Aftab Ahmad.

Opening remarks by Dr. Aftab Ahmad and PAS representatives highlighted the urgency of embedding scientific knowledge into Pakistan’s waste management policies. Keynote speaker, Dr. Zeeshan Sheikh emphasized the transformative potential of data-driven, science-led urban waste governance. Technical sessions explored science-based solutions such as the circular economy, plastic waste management, and waste-to-energy technologies, while a policy-focused session exposed regulatory gaps and weak enforcement, stressing participatory governance and cross-sector collaboration.

Interactive breakout groups on Municipal Solid Waste, Industrial Waste, and Organic Waste produced concrete policy recommendations and innovative solutions. Dr. Kubra Mehmood consolidated these outcomes into a science-policy roadmap, calling for institutionalized scientific advisory mechanisms and stronger partnerships across government, academia, and industry.

Key outcomes of the workshop includes knowledge sharing on sustainable waste strategies, identification of policy gaps, and a set of actionable recommendations for municipal and provincial authorities. The workshop also recognized sustainability champions through Eco Champion’s Awards, fostering ongoing engagement.

Inclusive participation, dynamic breakout sessions, and early policymaker engagement ensured the workshop success. Upcoming steps for this workshop include disseminating the roadmap to government ministries, conducting follow-up workshops and roundtables, and supporting continuous science–policy dialogue to integrate evidence-based practices into Pakistan’s waste management policies and governance.