Governments, international organizations, development partners, academia, civil society and the private sector gathered in Bangkok to mark the 7th International Day of Clean Air for blue skies under the theme “Clean Air for Climate Action”. 

Co-organized by UNEP and UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the regional commemoration explored the benefits of addressing air pollution and climate change together. The programme included a briefing on the key findings of the newly launched Hidden assets: The economic and health case for climate and clean air action report, and a panel discussion on scaling up air quality and climate co-benefits across the region. The photo exhibition “Every Breath Has a Story” featured 18 pictures from photographers of the region depicting air pollution and its solutions.

“Clean air is not a cost. It is one of the smartest investments that we can make.”

On the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen shares her message, highlighting the economic and health benefits of clean air and calling for accelerated action.

Watch the full message:  

Every US $1 invested in tackling climate change and air pollution together can generate around US $15 in economic benefits, according to a new UNEP and Climate and Clean Air Coalition spotlight publication launched today for #CleanAirDay.

Hidden assets: The economic and health case for climate and clean air action examines 25 proven measures and shows how integrated action can protect health, strengthen economies and deliver climate benefits. 

Ahead of International Day for Clean Air and blue skies, UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls on governments, businesses and investors to act now, stressing that cleaner air saves lives, boosts productivity and builds more resilient and sustainable societies.  

Read the UN Secretary-General's message

What we talk about when we talk about clean air

From PM2.5 and ground-level ozone to black carbon and VOCs, the language of air pollution can get technical fast. Ahead of #CleanAirDay, explore UNEP’s glossary of the key terms you need to know – and why they matter for people and the planet.

Explore the air pollution glossary

The United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 awards. This year's awards focus on preventing and managing chronic respiratory diseases, as well as reducing the harmful impact of air pollution on human health.

Since 2018, these awards have recognized achievements on multisectoral action in the prevention and control of NCDs, mental health and the wider NCD-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

More information at: Call for nominations for UN NCD Task Force Award 2026