The second webinar in this series, "Fueling the Future: Clean Cooking Solutions for Nepal and Beyond," will explore clean cooking as an essential component of Nepal’s energy transition, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional cooking practices that impact health, the environment, and economic well-being. Clean cooking solutions play a critical role in reducing household air pollution, lowering carbon emissions, and empowering rural communities by offering safer, more sustainable cooking methods. This session will address Nepal’s journey toward cleaner cooking options, drawing comparisons with other countries’ experiences and highlighting lessons learned along the way.

Panelists will examine challenges to scaling these solutions, from funding and policy limitations to cultural barriers, while discussing strategies to overcome these obstacles through community engagement, innovation, and supportive policy frameworks. The session will also look at the critical role of government and international organizations in providing the technical, financial, and infrastructural support necessary to promote clean cooking on a large scale.

Panelists:
Nawa Raj Dhakal, Executive Director - Alternative Energy Promotion Centre
Resha Piya, Infrastucture Advisor - British Embassy Kathmandu/FCDO
Min Bikram Malla, Thematic Lead - Practical Action
Subarna Kapali, Managing Director - Ajummery Bikas Foundation

Moderator:
Dr. Rajiv Ghimire, Lecturer- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan

Emcee:
Abiral Khatri, Energy Transition Lead, UR Field Lab and Consultant, Stimson Center

Topics to be covered include:
Importance of Clean Cooking
Nepal’s Journey and Global Comparisons
Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling Clean Cooking Solutions
Community Engagement and Awareness
Role of Government Policy, International Support, and Private Sector Involvement
Research, Innovation, and Technology Development
This session will set the stage for ongoing discussions on energy transition by underscoring the critical importance of inclusive and sustainable solutions for Nepal’s energy future and exploring how Nepal’s experiences in clean cooking may offer valuable lessons for other regions.