National Steering Committee Proposal to Combat Air Pollution

On the morning of November 1, 2025, the Central Propaganda and Mobilization Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the People’s Committee of Hanoi, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other agencies, hosted the “Clean Air for a Blue Sky” event at the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian zone.

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh, clean air not only safeguards public health but also serves as a marker of a modern nation’s civilization. It acts as a safe haven for high-tech investors and an attractive “green visa” for international tourists.

However, in recent years, Vietnam has faced severe air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Air quality indices have frequently ranged from “poor” to “hazardous.”

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment identified four primary pollution sources: transportation, construction, industrial activities and craft villages, and the open burning of straw and household waste.

In Hanoi, air pollution is exacerbated by the city’s topography, climate, and weather conditions.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh noted that the Ministry has worked with relevant bodies and localities to enhance air quality management nationwide, focusing on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Key initiatives include strengthened monitoring, early warnings, transparent data sharing, stricter pollution source controls, and proposals for green transportation, clean industries, smart infrastructure, and pollution reduction programs.

However, the Ministry emphasized the need for more aggressive, coordinated, and inter-regional efforts.

The Ministry has submitted the “National Action Plan on Air Quality Improvement and Pollution Control for 2026–2030, Vision to 2045” to the Prime Minister. It is also advising on the establishment of a National Steering Committee to address air pollution, particularly in the Capital Region, to mobilize the entire political system for this urgent task.

Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, highlighted air pollution as a major threat to public health and sustainable development.

In Hanoi, emissions from transportation, construction, industry, and urban activities strain air quality. The city prioritizes controlling transportation emissions as a breakthrough solution.

Quyen stated that Hanoi has implemented specific plans, including the Air Quality Management Plan to 2030 and Plan 267 under the Prime Minister’s Directive 20 on urgent environmental protection measures.

The city is accelerating the green transition of public transport, aiming for 100% clean energy-powered buses by 2030. These steps reduce emissions, foster sustainable living, and protect public health.

Hanoi is also expanding air quality monitoring, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns to encourage eco-friendly habits.

Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam, warned that air pollution threatens public health, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Representative in Vietnam, expressed optimism about Vietnam’s clean air future, citing decisive government actions. UNDP pledges continued support in air quality monitoring, pollution control, health and environment data integration, multi-sector collaboration, and public awareness initiatives.