Air pollution remains one of the most pressing global environmental health risks, contributing to around 7 million premature deaths annually. It not only impacts human health, it exacerbates climate change, damages our environment, and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Recognizing these risks, WHO supports Member States through technical guidance, advocacy, and strategic interventions across sectors to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution, monitor health impacts, promote climate co-benefits, and raise awareness of effective solutions for cleaner air.
In March 2024, WHO together with the Government of Colombia convened its 2nd Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, bringing together policymakers, health experts, scientists, and civil society to renew global focus on tackling air pollution. The conference resulted in powerful pledges from governments, cities, institutions, and organizations to step up and commit to action to clean air actions in line with a 50% reduction in the health impacts of air pollution by 2040.
Furthermore, at the 78th World Health Assembly, Member States adopted an updated road map for an enhanced global response to the adverse health effects of air pollution, reaffirming their commitment to protect populations from the world’s largest environmental health risk. The decision (EB156(33)) updates the 2016 strategy endorsed under WHA69/18 and builds on the landmark WHA resolution 68.8 adopted in 2015.
Purpose of the webinars
These webinars are a direct follow-up on the commitments made at WHO’s 2nd Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health and focuses on the next steps for the implementation of those pledges and the WHA global roadmap. Countries and non-state actors will present specific initiatives supporting clean air goals, and the discussion will explore how best to operationalize these actions. WHO will also highlight its ongoing efforts and outline the next steps in supporting Member States and stakeholders in achieving cleaner air and better health.
Objectives
- Present the outcomes of WHO’s 2nd Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, including country pledges
- Outline WHO’s continued clean air efforts including upcoming events or publications
- Highlight country-level strategies and different stakeholder initiatives to operationalize the commitments
- Strengthen stakeholder collaboration and accelerated implementation muliti-sectoral action
Agenda
Opening
WHO
Highlights of the 2nd global conference on air pollution and health and WHO’s continued support for commitments
- Conference outcomes (incl. commitments)
- WHO roadmap on air pollution
- Science and policy snapshots, webinars & report launches (overview of WHO’s activities on clean air)
Countries and other partners share their experience and plans to advance action on clean air commitments for health
Representatives from WHO member states and civil society organizations
Closing
WHO
Registration
Date: 18 June 2025
Time: 09:30–10:45 CEST (1.25 hours)
Register here
Time: 15:00–16:15 CEST (1.25 hours)
Register here