Individuals, community-based organizations, government agencies and the United Nations (UN) made a collective commitment to achieving clean air in Hanoi through joint action and innovative solutions at an event held on June 3.

The event Clean Air, Green City was hosted by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE), under the People’s Committee of Hanoi, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Hanoi Women's Union, ahead of World Environment Day on June 5.

A panel discussion on clean air for sustainable development heard how Hanoi suffers from poor air quality on many days throughout the year. Levels of harmful fine particulate matter in the air can be nearly nine times the WHO recommended levels. This has a significant impact on the health of people.

The impact of air pollution extends beyond health. The discussion also highlighted the many co-benefits of tackling air pollution. Strategies to address clean air will contribute towards Vietnam’s climate mitigation targets, improve access to clean energy, strengthen environmental governance and make cities more sustainable.

Tackling the causes of air pollution will require a coordinated effort to reduce pollution from industry, transport, emissions from livestock and fertilizer use, the burning of straw and rice stubble, and improving waste management practices.

Panelists, who included representatives of the government, international organizations and the scientific community, discussed how the Clean Air, Green City event will be a catalyst for greater co-operation between stakeholders, empowering bold and immediate action to tackle the issue of air pollution; and help residents and visitors enjoy more clean air and blue sky days.

This event also hopes to inspire the development of many innovative local solutions for improving air quality.

Dr Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam,  said: “Poor air quality is a significant risk to health in Hanoi. Without action, the health harms from air pollution could put the significant gains in life expectancy achieved in recent decades at risk. Improving air quality in Hanoi aligns with the Government’s commitment to protecting and promoting health, and sustainable economic and social development, to create a brighter, healthier and fairer future.”

UNDP Representative in Vietnam, Ms. Ramla Khalidi said: “Addressing air pollution is crucial in our work to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The air we breathe impacts every aspect of our lives, from our health to our economy, and the well-being of future generations. While it is critically important to tackle the impact of air pollution, we must equally prioritize action that addresses the sources of air pollution.  We call upon all stakeholders – government agencies, private sector partners, civil society organizations, the international and local community – to accelerate actions against air pollution.”