WEB DESK: Pakistan marked an important presence at the Asia Smart City Conference (ASCC) 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, where Managing Director of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), Tariq Ali Nizamani, represented the country and highlighted Sindh’s progress toward sustainable and modern waste management.
The three-day conference, held from November 25 to 27 at Pacifico Yokohama North, gathered city leaders, policymakers, and experts from across Asia under the theme “Towards a Circular Society.” With 15 sessions and 45 innovation booths, the event showcased solutions shaping the future of smart and sustainable cities.
During the conference, Tariq Nizamani shared Pakistan’s efforts to reform traditional waste practices by introducing structured, technology-supported, and community-driven waste management models in Sindh. He presented the province’s progress in solid waste reforms, public-private partnerships, landfill development, recycling initiatives, and improved urban cleanliness systems. His participation positioned Pakistan among regional players working toward circularity and emphasized that sustainable waste management is essential for climate resilience, public health, and urban development in South Asia.
A major highlight of ASCC 2025 was the launch of the Asian Circular Cities Declaration, with Yokohama signing first, followed by Bangkok, Cebu, Da Nang, Makassar, and Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities. The declaration aims to strengthen circular economy strategies, set measurable goals for urban circular transition, and encourage cities to share innovations and best practices. The initiative is supported by ICLEI, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, UN agencies, and the Circle Economy Foundation, marking a significant step for Asian cities toward a sustainable, resource-efficient future.
Yokohama’s Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka underlined the urgency of accelerating circular development across Asia. It was also announced that starting next year, the event will be rebranded as the Asia-Pacific Circular Cities Forum (APCC-Forum), with the next gathering scheduled for September 2–4, 2026, in Yokohama. Further collaboration is planned with UNESCAP’s Asia-Pacific Urban Forum in 2027, reflecting a growing regional commitment to circular and climate-smart urban development.
Tariq Nizamani’s representation of Pakistan at this global platform highlights the country’s willingness to learn, collaborate, and adopt emerging practices in circular waste management. His engagement opens new opportunities for Pakistan to develop partnerships with progressive Asian cities, benefit from technical cooperation, and integrate advanced recycling and waste reduction models into Sindh’s waste management system. As Asian cities move rapidly toward decarbonization and sustainable growth, Pakistan’s participation reinforces its dedication to environmental transformation and smart urban governance.
