The sixth International Day of Clean Air for blue skies takes place on 7 September 2025.

Held under the theme “Racing for Air”, this year’s campaign links clean air to sport, performance, endurance, and equity—highlighting the urgency of action while shifting the narrative from problems to solutions. It shows how clean air delivers health, economic, and social benefits, while offering strong potential for partnerships, especially with cities, sports communities, and athletes.

The United Nations General Assembly designated 7 September as International Day of Clean Air for blue skies in 2019, and the first Day was held in 2020. This designation reflects the global community’s growing awareness of air pollution risks and underscores the necessity of further efforts to improve air quality to safeguard human and environmental health.

Air pollution is a critical threat not only to human health but also to planetary health. It harms climate, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Investing in clean air is a race we can win: it can save millions of lives, combat climate change, build fairer societies, and strengthen economies. A safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment—including clean air—is integral to the full enjoyment of a wide range of human rights.

Air pollution disproportionately affects children and the elderly and harms ecosystems. Improving air quality is crucial for mitigating many air pollutants that contribute directly to the climate crisis. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development also acknowledges that air pollution reduction is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Through this year’s theme, “Racing for Air,” the Day calls on governments, businesses, cities, and individuals to accelerate investments, policies, and actions—so everyone, everywhere can breathe clean air and perform at their best. Inaction slows progress and deepens health risks, economic costs, and climate impacts.

The International Day of Clean Air for blue skies aims to build a global community of action, encouraging countries to collaborate in tackling air pollution to protect our ecosystems. This day provides a platform for cooperation at individual, national, regional, and international levels to work together.