Pakistan marked an important presence at the Asia Smart City Conference (ASCC) 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, where the 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'.

During the conference, 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.

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.

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.

As Asian cities move rapidly toward decarbonization and sustainable growth, Pakistan’s participation reinforces its dedication to environmental transformation and smart urban governance.