The first ever regional (Asia) meeting of StreetNet International took place from 29 January to 2 February 2024 at Kathmandu, Nepal. In the same meeting, SEWA was unanimously voted as the focal point for the StreetNet Asia region for two years starting from 2024. The meeting saw participation of StreetNet affiliates from India (Self Employed Women’s Association – SEWA), Nepal (Nepal Union of Street Traders – NEST), Bangladesh (Labour at Informal Economy – LIE) and Cambodia (Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association – IDEA). In addition, two potential affiliates from Thailand (Federation of Informal Workers in Thailand – FIT) and Philippines (Metro Manila Vendors Alliance – MMVA) were also part of the meeting to understand and learn about StreetNet, its affiliates and their work. To inaugurate and set the context of the regional meeting, delegates from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Solidarity Centre Nepal and General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) graced the occasion. One of the main objectives of the meeting was to develop a realistic regional strategy that reflects the concerns of the affiliates and strengthens solidarity in the region. The discussion led to four major topics namely climate change, street vendors law, social protection and end to sexual harassment. Out of which climate change was unitedly agreed upon as a concerning issue. To further show the gravity of the situation, participants shared their experiences of the impact of climate change on street vendors in their countries which included dehydration, headache, unprecedented rainfalls forcing them to halt their vending, spoilage of fresh produce like vegetables, deterioration of cosmetics and imitation jewellery to name a few. It was decided that aside from awareness on climate change, a research study will be conducted to identify the impact of climate change on street vendors. Subsequently, findings of the study shall help in devising a policy brief vis-a-vis street vendors and climate change which shall be used by the StreetNet affiliates to take it forward with Governments in formulating a policy for street vendors in their respective countries.
