top of page
pexels-khidir-rahim-24304801_malaysia.jpg

For the Right to Clean Air: Partnerships, Policies and Practices in Focus

11:00 ICT  |  18 March 2025

Overview

Air pollution is a major environmental and public health crisis, contributing to over 8 million deaths globally each year.  It is the leading environmental cause of disease and mortality, with estimated health damages amounting to USD 8.1 trillion annually, or 6.1% of global GDP (World Bank, 2021). The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) projects that by 2060, the annual number of lost working days due to outdoor air pollution will reach 3.7 billion.


Air pollution poses one of Asia’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges, contributing to 4 million premature deaths annually. Major economic hubs such as Delhi, Dhaka, Jakarta and Ha Noi suffer from hazardous air quality levels, impacting not only public health but also economic productivity and investor confidence. The transboundary nature of air pollution, such as haze from forest fires and industrial emissions, underscores the governance challenges and shared responsibilities that transcend national borders.


Being a challenge that cuts across multiple ministries, and yet owned by none, it is evident that a ‘whole of society’ approach is needed to tackle air pollution. The private sector plays a pivotal role in addressing air pollution, as industries are both contributors and potential solution drivers. Air quality issues directly affect business operations—ranging from supply chain disruptions to workforce health and productivity losses. However, tensions persist as businesses navigate profitability, regulatory compliance, and public pressure for greater accountability. Governance challenges, from fragmented regional regulations to weak enforcement, further complicate efforts.


Meaningful and action-driven stakeholder engagement is critical. Companies that consult and collaborate with affected communities, workers, and civil society can better understand local impacts, build trust, and create solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Aligning with frameworks like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights can help businesses integrate air quality commitments into their due diligence strategies while addressing human rights risks.

Format

The panel features concise insights from business leaders, regulators, civil society representatives, and health experts, followed by interactive discussions to drive actionable outcomes.

LEARN:

  • Policy Landscape in Asia: Explore national and regional air quality policies, including citizen driven policy shifts.

  • Business Value in Clean Air: Understand how reducing pollution can be an economic asset to organizations, viz. enhance worker productivity, brand reputation, and resilience.

  • Stakeholder Engagement for Impact: Learn how inclusive consultation processes strengthen business strategies and community outcomes.

 

ENGAGE:

  • Regional Collaborations: Explore cross-border initiatives and explore possibilities of regional policy alignment and joint response strategies.
    Corporate Leadership: Engage with companies seeking to address corporate impacts on air quality through sustainable operations, emission reduction, and cross-sector partnerships to set industry benchmarks
    Community Voices: Center the experiences of those directly impacted by air pollution.

CONNECT:

  • Multi-Stakeholder Solutions: Explore how businesses can partner with regulators, communities, and civil society to strengthen their due diligence strategies, while integrating nature-based solutions to enhance air quality and ecosystem health.

  • Innovation and Opportunity: Identify business opportunities in clean air technology and low-emission solutions.
     

SESSION SPEAKERS

bottom of page