Around 100 policymakers, scientists and practitioners from 40 countries, alongside many more participants online, gathered in Istanbul on 23–24 September for the International Clean Air Dialogue, convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Ahead of COP31 in Türkiye this November, participants focused on solutions to one of the world’s deadliest and most overlooked environmental crises, calling for greater investment in air-quality monitoring systems, clean infrastructure and emission-reduction measures.

The Dialogue underscored a clear message: reducing air pollution is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to protect human health, preserve ecosystems, slow climate change and advance sustainable development.

Read the UNECE press release 

Happening 23-24 September in Istanbul: policymakers, scientists, researchers and practitioners from across regions are gathering for the International Clean Air Dialogue, ahead of #COP31 in Türkiye this November.

The two-day event provides a platform to exchange knowledge and experience on air pollution policies, monitoring, technical solutions and public communications, with a focus on approaches that can also deliver benefits for climate action.

The dialogue is organized by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), UNEP, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the Government of Türkiye.  

Register to join the Dialogue 

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The 12 youth leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Kazakhstan participated in a Clean Air Day workshop, “From Zero Waste to Clean Air: A Youth Dialogue on Circular Solutions,” in Tokyo to explore the links between waste management, air pollution and public health through interactive discussions and group activities.

Participants examined real-world challenges related to waste and air pollution, developed solution pitches based on circular economy approaches, and created advocacy messages calling for cleaner air and zero-waste actions. The workshop strengthened participants’ capacity as youth advocates for sustainable change.

The workshop was organized by UNEP-IETC to celebrate Clean Air Day as part of the Rise Young Leaders Summit Japan 2026 on 8 September 2026.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Our Kids' Climate (@ourkidsclimate)

Air pollution is taking a devastating toll on lives & economies.

The case for action has never been clearer.

Reducing air pollution protects health, boosts productivity & builds more resilient & prosperous societies.#CleanAirDay pic.twitter.com/sOHXtV18g7

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 7, 2026

NEMA LAUNCHES REAL-TIME AIR QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEM
To mark the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, @nemaug has, Monday 7th September, launched equipment providing real-time air quality data within a 6km radius of NEMA House in Kampala. The installation will serve as… pic.twitter.com/0rv9Q1VzyS

— National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) (@nemaug) September 7, 2026

The latest WMO Air Quality and Climate Bulletin explores how climate change and air pollution interact. From heat driving ground-level ozone to wildfires increasing particulate pollution, find out what these connections mean for the air we breathe. 

Explore the new WMO bulletin

The roundtable “Clean Air: The Way Forward”, held at the Green University in Tashkent, featured discussions on Uzbekistan’s significant expansion of automatic air-quality monitoring since 2022, including the establishment of a national network of 28 automated stations, as well as plans to further strengthen monitoring.  

Participants also welcomed the adoption of the nationwide “Clean Air” Project for 2026–2030. The National Committee emphasized that the country’s next priority is to move from monitoring towards implementing concrete measures to reduce air pollution.

The event, organized by the Zamin Foundation, brought together representatives of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, UNEP, UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Embassy of Japan, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the World Bank and other partners.