A one-day workshop on Enhancing Science-Policy Integration in Waste Management was held on 13 August 2025 at the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), Islamabad. The event was organized in collaboration with the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA), the International Science Council, the Australian Academy of Science, the National Academy of Young Scientists (NAYS), Pakistan, and the Global Young Academy. The workshop brought together scientists, policymakers, environmental experts, academicians, and practitioners with the aim of bridging the gap between research and policymaking for sustainable waste management in Pakistan.

The workshop opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Aftab Ahmad (Founder, NAYS) and an introduction of PAS by Dr. Riffat Qureshi (Director Administration, PAS). The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Aslam Baig (Secretary General, PAS), stressed the urgent need for science-based strategies in managing waste. The keynote lecture, “The Role of Science in Urban Waste Governance”, was delivered by Dr. Zeeshan Sheikh (NUST).

Session I: focused on science-based solutions. Presentations included circular economy and plastic waste (Dr. Zainab Naeem, SDPI), composting and bio-waste (Dr. Mazhar Rafique, University of Haripur), and waste-to-energy options (Mr. Asghar Bukhari, NUST). These talks highlighted innovative approaches for turning waste into resources.

Session II: addressed policy issues. Dr. Sara Qaiser (PAS) outlined gaps in solid waste management policies, pointing out weak implementation and limited coordination between science and governance. A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Aftab Ahmad, brought together experts including Dr. Muhammad Irfan Khan, Dr. Zainab Naeem, Dr. Mazhar Rafique, Mr. Asghar Bukhari, and Ms. Zile e Huma, who emphasized institutional collaboration, technology adoption, community engagement, and stronger policies.

At the closing session, Prof. Dr. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President of ECOSF, participated as the Guest of Honor. He congratulated PAS, NAYS, and INGSA for organizing the timely event and underlined the importance of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in addressing environmental challenges. He encouraged turning waste into valuable resources through recycling, energy recovery, and innovation. He also shared recommendations such as building stronger science–policy interfaces, improving data and evidence systems, promoting participatory policymaking, enhancing capacity building for scientists and policymakers, and fostering international and cross-sector collaboration. He reaffirmed ECO Science Foundation’s support for such initiatives across Pakistan and the ECO region.

The workshop concluded with appreciation for all speakers, participants, and partners, and a strong commitment to continue working towards sustainable and science-driven waste management practices in Pakistan.