U.S. Embassy in Nepal organises South Asia Air Quality Tech Camp in Kathmandu

The U.S. Embassy in Nepal has organized a South Asia Air Quality Tech Camp in Kathmandu. The aim of camp is to address political, social, and scientific facets of the problem and improve the ability of civil society, media, and other influencers to engage governments, empower the public and take action to improve air quality in South Asia.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, U.S. Ambassador Randy Berry expressed his concern about high levels of pollution that can have lasting impacts on the cognitive skills of young children. He said air pollution takes a costly toll on the public health, economies, and environment across the region and there is a need of regional response. Participants from seven South Asian countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are attending the two day camp which was started on Tuesday.

According to U.S. Embassy the event will provide participants with state-of-the art, innovative tools and technologies to help amplify their voice to address air quality issues in the region. As part of the programme, the Camp also plans to fund follow-on efforts through small grants designed to help participants apply their newly acquired skills and move their technology solutions into action.