Clean air and green Ha Noi promoted on World Environment Day

It was jointly organized by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE), under Ha Noi Municipal People's Committee, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ha Noi Women's Union.

The event Clean Air, Green City, brought together individuals, community-based organizations, government agencies and the UN to make a collective commitment to achieving clean air in Ha Noi through joint action and innovative solutions.

The discussion highlighted the many co-benefits of tackling air pollution. Strategies to address clean air will contribute towards Viet Nam'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.

Panellists, 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.

WHO Representative in Viet Nam Dr Angela Pratt said, improving air quality in Ha Noi 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 Viet Nam Ramla Khalidi said, addressing air pollution is crucial in our work to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

"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," she shared./.