Inception Workshop - Formulation of Solid Waste Management Strategy for Sahiwal Division

In response to the increasing need for sustainable urban planning and efficient waste management, the IGES Centre Collaborating with UNEP on Environmental Technologies (IGES-CCET) in collaboration with the Urban Unit and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), organised an Inception Workshop on the Formulation of Solid Waste Management (SWM) Strategy for Sahiwal Division on Friday, June 13, 2025. The workshop aimed to formally initiate the strategic planning process for addressing solid waste management challenges in the region through integrated, sustainable, and participatory approaches. The event brought together senior officials, technical experts, international partners, and local stakeholders to share insights, discuss ongoing initiatives, and align efforts under a unified strategic framework. The workshop emphasised the need for effective policy formulation, enhanced operational mechanisms, and inclusive stakeholder engagement in transforming waste management systems across Sahiwal Division.

The workshop began with the speech from Mr. Shoaib Iqbal Syed, Commissioner of Sahiwal Division. He delivered a visionary address highlighting the region’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Mr. Iftikhar Ali, CEO of the Solid Waste and Sanitation Services Company (SWSSC), provided an overview of current waste management services and identified key operational challenges In the Session 2, Mr. Asif Iqbal, General Manager SWM at the Urban Unit, outlined the technical framework for the upcoming strategy, Ms. Miho Hayashi of IGES contributed a global perspective on policy coherence. The session concluded with Ms. Anum Shahid, SWM Specialist at the Urban Unit, emphasising the importance of public engagement and the strategic direction of the SWM initiative. Key discussion themes included policy alignment, circular economy integration, informal sector inclusion, institutional capacity-building, and community outreach. The interactive Q&A session further highlighted the importance of source segregation, youth engagement, and data-driven decision-making.

Overall, the inception workshop successfully laid the foundation for a comprehensive and actionable SWM strategy tailored to the needs of Sahiwal Division. It set the tone for multi-sector collaboration, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment.