The World Bank’s recent report, Accelerating Access to Clean Air for a Livable Planet, shows that cutting global exposure to dangerous PM2.5 levels in half by 2040 is both achievable and affordable – if countries adopt integrated approaches that combine strong air quality governance, reliable data, and catalytic investments. 

To mark the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, this event brings together multilateral development banks (MDBs) to showcase how they are helping countries tackle air pollution through knowledge, innovative financing, and partnerships.

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Building on this, earlier this year, the United Nations Environment Programme supported a Clean Air Dialogue championed by the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the Kyrgyz Minister of Natural Resources. This drew on lessons from other countries and reinforced the need for long-term strategies across the energy, heating, transport, and waste sectors. Learn more.

Guatemala is developing its first regulation on air quality standards and comprehensive air quality management, with technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The draft regulation was presented to relevant national authorities ahead of the sixth International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, observed annually on 7 September. 

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The ‘Almaty – is it OK to live with smog?’ film, launched by the Almaty Air Initiative, features residents, scientists, and activists discussing the impact of pollution on health and daily life. 

The Almaty Air Initiative is dedicated to tackling severe air pollution in Kazakhstan’s largest city through air quality monitoring, awareness-raising, and the testing of new Low Emission Zones. The vast majority of residents are worried about air pollution and would be open to support low emission zones, surveys conducted by the foundation have revealed. Learn more.

With the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) commemorated the 6th International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies under the regional theme 'Clean Air, Sustainable Energy'. 

At the event, which was held alongside the 4th ESCAP Committee on Energy, representatives from Member States and partner organisations discussed the role of renewable energy in reducing air pollution and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. They also called for stronger regional cooperation to ensure clean, healthy air for everyone in Asia and the Pacific.

At Uzbekistan’s request, the UN Environment Programme led a pioneering air quality assessment for the city of Termez, which is exposed to anthropogenic emissions and sand and dust storms. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and is complemented by work to explore ways to reduce emissions from industry and the domestic burning of solid fuels. 

UNEP also led a three-day workshop at Uzbekistan's Green University, focusing on air quality assessments and satellite data to support air quality management and monitor sand and dust storms.  Learn more.

The annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin of the World Meteorological Organisation, published ahead of #CleanAirDay, traces the complex interplay between air quality and climate, highlighting the role of tiny particles called aerosols in wildfires, winter fog, shipping emissions and urban pollution. It stresses the need for improved atmospheric monitoring and more integrated policies to safeguard human and environmental health and reduce agricultural and economic losses.

Read the press release.

Co-organised by the United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, with support from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand, the regional event spotlighted the urgent need to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy as a pathway to cleaner air and healthier communities. 

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