The first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health will be held at the World Health Organisation’s headquarters in Geneva on October 30 and November 1.

The conference is being held in collaboration with the UN Environment, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The event responds to a World Health Assembly mandate to combat one of the world’s most significant causes of premature death, causing some 7 million deaths annually. Air pollution in most cities exceeds recommended WHO Air Quality levels and household air pollution is a leading killer in poor rural and urban homes. Up to one-third of deaths from stroke, lung cancer and heart disease are due to air pollution. Affordable strategies exist to reduce key pollution emissions from the transport, energy, agriculture, waste and housing sectors. Health-conscious strategies can reduce climate change and support Sustainable Development Goals for health, energy and cities.

The conference will see the participation of Ministers of Health and Environment and representatives from national governments, inter-governmental agencies, health professionals, besides sectoral participation from transport, energy, etc.