Secretary-General of SAARC Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar delivered the opening remarks at the inaugural session of the Regional Workshop for South Asia on the Asia-Pacific Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution being held at The Soaltee, Kathmandu from 9 to 10 December 2024.

Ambassador Sarwar said that air pollution in the South Asia region is a critical environmental and public health issue, affecting millions of people across countries, like Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Sarwar commended the Government of Nepal and ESCAP for organizing this very important regional workshop and for reaching out to SAARC in their efforts to operationalize the Asia-Pacific Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution (RAPAP).

Air pollution is a transboundary issue, which is causing hindrance in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for the countries of South Asia and beyond. Addressing air pollution in South Asia requires coordinated efforts across national governments, local authorities, industries, and the public.

The Secretary-General expressed his confidence that this workshop will offer an important platform and significant way forward for the region to improve air quality, and welcomed the opportunity to engage with ESCAP and other regional and multilateral stakeholders to contribute in improving the lives and livelihood of the people of South Asia.