The event themed "Clean Air for Blue Sky" took place on November 1 at the Hoan Kiem pedestrian zone, Hanoi, aiming to implement the Party and State's policies on environmental protection and sustainable development while demonstrating Vietnam's determination to work with the international community to tackle air pollution.

The event was co-hosted by the Party Central Committee's Commission for Publicity, Education and Mass Mobilization, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Hanoi People's Committee, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Attending the event were Huynh Thanh Dat, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Publicity, Education and Mass Mobilization; Le Cong Thanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment; Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee; Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam; and Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam.

Action towards a blue sky and net-zero emissions

In her opening remarks, Deputy Head Huynh Thanh Dat stressed that protecting clean air is a long-term responsibility for public health and the nation's future.

He said improving air quality requires coordinated and effective action across the political system, involving both central and local governments as well as the active participation of citizens and businesses.

Dat called on officials, Party members, social organizations and the public to take the lead in concrete actions to protect the living environment and preserve a "blue sky" for future generations.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh said the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is implementing comprehensive air quality management measures to raise public awareness and work toward net-zero emissions by 2050, focusing on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

These measures include strengthening air monitoring, alert systems and data sharing; making information public; controlling pollution sources; and promoting green transport, clean industries and environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Representatives from international organizations, Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam and Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam expressed their appreciation for Hanoi and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Vietnam in addressing air pollution challenges.

They said UNDP and WHO would continue close cooperation with Vietnamese agencies to build a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future for all.

Hanoi's determination to build a green, clean and livable capital

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen emphasized that Hanoi is implementing comprehensive solutions to control pollution, promote green transport and foster eco-friendly lifestyles, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

He said the "Clean Air for a Blue Sky" event is more than just a communication campaign. It is a strong call to action: "Act today for the clean air of tomorrow."

Air pollution, he noted, remains one of the greatest threats to public health and sustainable development. In Hanoi, emissions from traffic, construction, industry and daily urban activities put heavy pressure on air quality, demanding decisive and lasting solutions.

The city has identified emission control from transport as a key and breakthrough task, under close direction from the Party and State, especially from General Secretary To Lam.

Following those directions, Hanoi has issued an air quality management plan until 2030 and an action plan to implement the Prime Minister's Directive No. 20/CT-TTg on urgent tasks to prevent and address environmental pollution.

The city is rolling out a "green transition" roadmap for public transport, targeting 100% of buses to use clean energy by 2030. Ther step reflects Hanoi's strong commitment to emission reduction and to fostering a sustainable green lifestyle among residents.

Alongside policy improvements and technical infrastructure, Hanoi is expanding air monitoring and forecasting, making data public, developing an early warning system and promoting public awareness. Citizens are encouraged to adopt eco-friendlier travel and daily habits.

The city also welcomes and supports the "Vietnam Clean Air Day 2025" initiative launched by UNDP and WHO and stands ready to take the lead in its implementation to help achieve national goals on air quality improvement and public health protection.

Vice Chairman Quyen called on "every citizen and business to take small but meaningful actions – use green transport, avoid burning waste and plant more trees – to make the capital's air cleaner."

"With the guidance of the central government, the support of international partners and the shared responsibility of society, Hanoi is steadily realizing the aspiration of a 'Blue Sky – Livable City' for today and the future," said Quyen.

Hanoi will continue to lead in air quality management and pollution control, staying committed to building a green, clean and beautiful capital where everyone can breathe fresh air."

During the event, delegates witnessed the connection of air sensor data to the national monitoring system, a key step toward smart, technology-based air management that allows the public to track daily air quality.

Other activities included the "For a Blue Sky Vietnam" joint commitment ceremony and a children's poster exhibition on the same theme. The colorful artworks conveyed the younger generation's faith and hope for a "green, clean and healthy future."

Delegates and participants also signed the pledge and shared the message "For Every Breath", reaffirming collective determination to protect the environment and secure a blue sky for Vietnam now and in the years to come.

To close the event, they joined a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, promoting the choice of green transport and emission reduction. Visitors viewed children's poster displays and shared a sense of optimism for a new generation that loves nature and takes action for the environment.