The Foundation of Air Quality Actions: A Webinar to Enhance National Capacity

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The World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality, Energy, and Health Unit is hosting a webinar on October 19, 2023, titled “The Foundation of Air Quality Actions.” This webinar aims to address the importance of air quality management and provide step-by-step guidance for building national plans to tackle air pollution. The event will also showcase national initiatives that have successfully integrated United Nations tools to improve air pollution monitoring and reporting, ultimately protecting public health.

One of the key highlights of the webinar is the launch of the report titled “Improving the Capacity of Countries to Report on Air Quality in Cities: Users’ Guide to the Repository of United Nations Tools.” This report serves as a primer for air quality management and aims to enhance countries’ capacity to report on air quality, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The WHO has collaborated with key UN agencies to develop an online repository of tools and guidance documents that will be invaluable resources for countries in their efforts to combat air pollution.

During the webinar, experts and representatives from various UN agencies will share their experiences and insights on how these agencies can assist countries in setting up or strengthening their air quality actions. They will also discuss specific technical tools or guidance protocols that have been successfully deployed in different regions to address specific air quality challenges. The panel features representatives from the UN Environment Programme, UN Economic Commission for Europe, World Meteorological Organization, World Bank, and more.

The webinar will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a Q&A session, allowing them to further deepen their understanding of air quality management and address any specific concerns they may have. The event will be recorded, ensuring that those who register can access the content even if they are unable to attend the live session.

By bringing together expertise from various UN agencies and showcasing real-life examples of successful air quality actions, this webinar aims to empower countries to take concrete steps towards improving air quality and protecting public health. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical tools that can inform the development of national plans and strategies for effective air pollution control.

Definitions:
– SDG: Sustainable Development Goals, a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to achieve a more sustainable future for all by 2030.

Sources:
– World Health Organization (WHO)
– United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
– United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
– World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
– World Bank