Around 200 Government leaders, experts, researchers and development partners gathered in Ha Noi this week for the Second National Conference on Combating Air Pollution and Improving Air Quality in Viet Nam.
Jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Health, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Viet Nam, the conference focused on turning national air quality commitments into action under the theme "Combatting Air Pollution and Improving Air Quality in Viet Nam - Turning Policy into Action".
Air pollution is a major public health and environmental challenge in Viet Nam, contributing to disease, premature death and significant economic costs. Urban areas including Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City continue to experience periods of poor air quality affecting millions of people.
The conference comes as Viet Nam moves to implement the National Action Plan on Overcoming Pollution and Managing Air Quality for 2026-2030, approved by the Government in November 2025. The plan sets clear targets to reduce air pollution and strengthen air quality management nationwide, including through improved monitoring and forecasting, stronger emissions inventories, better coordination across sectors and regions, and measures to protect public health.
Building on the first National Air Pollution Conference in 2025, this year's event focused on implementing national commitments through practical solutions, financing, governance reforms, and technology at national and local levels. UNDP and WHO highly appreciated the effective cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Ministry of Health in hosting and organizing the event, to advance air quality in Viet Nam, particularly in major cities.
WHO Representative in Viet Nam Dr Angela Pratt, said, “Viet Nam has shown strong leadership by setting ambitious air quality goals. The challenge now is turning those commitments into measurable improvements that protect health, boost productivity and support sustainable development.”
UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam Ms Ramla Khalidi said, "Clean air is fundamental to sustainable development, affecting how people live, learn, work and thrive. By addressing air pollution, Viet Nam can advance healthier communities, a greener economy, and a more resilient future for all."
The programme includes discussions on governance, health impacts, financing, technology and international experience in reducing pollution while supporting economic growth. Experts from Viet Nam and regional organizations including WHO, UNDP and the Clean Air Fund, shared lessons learned and emerging approaches.
Technical sessions examined key pollution sources, including transport and construction, as well as mitigation measures such as vehicle emissions controls and low-emission zones.
Participants also explored how data, digital technologies and artificial intelligence can strengthen air quality forecasting, early warning systems and evidence-based policymaking, with particular attention to protecting vulnerable populations including children, older people, pregnant women and outdoor workers.
WHO and UNDP gratefully acknowledge the support provided through partnership between the WHO Foundation and the Prudence Foundation, and the support from the Clean Air Fund and Clean Air Asia, which contributed to making this event possible.