VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | Bangkok, Thailand (March 9, 2026) — Clean Air Asia, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is proud to announce the opening of the 12th Better Air Quality conference (BAQ) 2026.
Taking place from 11–13 March 2026, BAQ 2026 will convene at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand. BAQ 2026 brings together over 1,100 policymakers, technical experts, advocates, funders, the private sector, and other stakeholders from 56 different countries to drive collaborative action for cleaner air and healthier communities.
Air pollution remains one of the leading environmental health risks worldwide. One in eight deaths worldwide is attributed to air pollution, according to the Health Effects Institute State of Global Air 2025 Report. In 2021, WHO strengthened its Global Air Quality Guidelines, lowering the recommended annual limit for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to 5 µg/m³ to reflect evidence that even low levels of exposure are harmful. Yet 99% of the global population now breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits, underscoring the scale and urgency of the challenge.
The BAQ conference has become the region’s leading platform for advancing integrated solutions to air pollution. Previous editions have brought together governments, researchers, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to share knowledge and catalyse action. In 2026, Thailand takes centre stage.
The selection of Bangkok reflects both the country’s leadership role in regional environmental cooperation and the urgency of addressing air pollution challenges that affect urban and rural communities alike, from transport emissions and industrial activity, to agricultural burning and transboundary pollution. As a regional hub for diplomacy and multilateral engagement, Thailand provides a strategic setting to strengthen collaboration across borders and sectors.
“We are proud to welcome delegates from around the world to BAQ 2026,” said Bjarne Pedersen, Executive Director of Clean Air Asia. “With the theme, ‘Together for Clear Skies: Driving Action, Accelerating Investment’, this year’s conference underscores the urgent need for collective investment, strengthened partnerships, and meaningful action to reduce air pollution and unlock health, economic, and climate benefits for all.”
“Improving air quality is fundamental to sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific,” said Yoko Watanabe, Director – Environment, ADB. “ADB is committed to supporting our member countries to strengthen air quality management, accelerate clean energy transitions, modernise transport systems, and mobilise finance for air pollution solutions at scale. BAQ 2026 provides a critical platform to align policy ambition with the investments needed to provide cleaner air and support healthier communities across Asia and the Pacific.”
Key Objectives of BAQ 2026 Include:
- Unlocking financing and investment to support scalable, sustainable solutions that deliver long-term health and economic resilience.
- Driving multi-sectoral action and cooperation on integrated solutions to reduce emissions from transport, energy, industry, waste, agriculture, and other major sources.
- Building stronger partnerships across governments, funders, the private sector, technical experts, and civil society to catalyse transformative change.
Participants will engage in high-level plenaries, thematic sessions, and practical discussions that spotlight innovative approaches, financing mechanisms, and cross-sectoral strategies to improve air quality and deliver co-benefits for climate and health across the region. A highlight of BAQ 2006 will be financing roundtables aimed at accelerating funding for clean air programs and projects in Asia.
Additional details about the conference and the full program can be found at cleanairasia.org/BAQ
, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is proud to announce the opening of the 12th Better Air Quality conference (BAQ) 2026.){kind=link}