While many regions and countries are taking steps to tackle air pollution, greater global cooperation is essential to drive impactful change.
UNEP is establishing the new Global Air Quality Cooperation Network under UNEA resolution 6/10 to strengthen international collaboration on air pollution. The Network will empower governments at different levels and other key stakeholders to reduce air pollution through enhancing air quality management capacities, increasing the uptake of solutions to reduce air pollution from high-impact sectors, and improving access to finance, funding, and other forms of support, in line with UNEA resolutions 3/8 and 6/10. The Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx) will serve as its central hub for cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
UNEP convened the first meeting of the Network on 24th March, 2025, on the margins of the WHO’s Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, held in Cartagena, Colombia. The inaugural Network meeting highlighted the critical need for international collaboration across sectors and regions to address air pollution effectively. The Network was recognized as a platform that could amplify existing initiatives, build trust, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support countries in leapfrogging polluting development phases. To sustain this shared vision, ongoing consultation, transparent communication, and robust feedback mechanisms for participants will be essential.
The success of the Network will depend on the commitment, leadership and active participation of its participants. By stepping forward to lead initiatives, contribute tools and resources, share expertise, and support collaboration, participants can transform the Network into a powerful force for addressing air pollution globally.
Highlights:
- Air Quality Management Exchange Platform
- UNPE/EA.6/Res.10 - Promoting regional cooperation on air pollution to improve air quality globally
- Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health
- First Global Air quality cooperation network meeting report
Publications:
- Regulating Air Quality: the First Global Assessment of Air Pollution Legislation
- Achieving clean air for blue skies in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea -
- Results of Air Monitoring of Persistent Organic Pollutants
Governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders are invited to join the network and contribute to collective action on clean air. For more information, please contact: unep-economy-airquality[at]un.org
