“Clean Air for a Blue Sky” event boosts Hanoi’s green commitment
At the “Clean Air for Blue Sky” event in downtown Hanoi, city leaders reaffirmed their determination to curb air pollution, promote green transition and create a sustainable, livable capital for present and future generations.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi pledges to cooperate with state agencies and international organizations to better manage air pollution, build a green, clean, beautiful and livable capital where every resident can breathe fresh air, said Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen.
At the “Clean Air for a Blue Sky” event held on pedestrian street in Hoan Kiem Ward today (November 1), Quyen said the city has been implementing a wide range of coordinated measures to control pollution, promote green transition in transportation and spread eco-friendly lifestyles.
Delegates gather to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, demonstrating their willingness to develop a clean, healthy and green Hanoi. Photos: Huy Hoang/The Hanoi Times
“The city identifies emission control from traffic as a key breakthrough task. This is a sector closely guided by the Party and State leaders, particularly General Secretary To Lam,” the vice chairman said.
According to Quyen, Hanoi has issued an Air Quality Management Plan until 2030 and Plan No. 267 to implement the Prime Minister’s Directive No. 20 on restricting individual vehicles and addressing environmental pollution. The city is carrying out a roadmap to green its public transport fleet, aiming for all buses to use clean energy by 2030.
Alongside improving policies and infrastructure, Hanoi is strengthening monitoring, forecasting and public disclosure of air quality data, developing an early warning system and raising public awareness. Residents are encouraged to adopt greener daily habits and travel choices.
“These concrete steps show Hanoi’s strong commitment to reducing emissions and fostering a sustainable green lifestyle among its people,” said Quyen.
Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen speaks at the event. Photo: Hong Thai
Regarding the “Clean Air Vietnam 2025” initiative launched by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the official affirmed that Hanoi is ready to take the lead in implementation to help achieve the national goals of improving air quality, protecting public health and promoting sustainable development.
“Every resident and every business, through small actions like using eco-friendly transport, avoiding waste burning and planting more trees, contributes to cleaner air for the capital,” he added.
“Toward the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, today’s ‘Clean Air for a Blue Sky’ event is both a communication campaign and a strong call to practical action: act today for the clean air of tomorrow,” he said.
During the event, delegates witnessed the connection of about 200 air sensors in Hanoi and 33 provinces and cities nationwide. The launch marks a major step in modern technology application and management that allows residents to track daily air quality.
Vibrant side activities took place, including a pledge ceremony themed “For Vietnam’s Blue Sky” and an art exhibition featuring posters created by Hanoi’s children expressing their hopes for a greener, cleaner and healthier future.
Delegates and citizens also signed a commitment to spread the message “For Every Breath”, underscoring the shared determination to protect the environment and ensure a blue sky for Vietnam today and tomorrow.
They also joined together and walked around Hoan Kiem Lake to showcase their determination in working with Hanoi to cultivate a cleaner air and safer environment.
In their joint remarks, Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, and Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam, expressed their admiration for Hanoi and pledged continued support for Vietnam in addressing air pollution challenges.
Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam and delegates visit an exhibition showcasing children's paintings. Photo: Huy Hoang
They affirmed that UNDP and WHO will continue close cooperation with Vietnamese agencies to pursue a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future for all.
Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Publicity, Education and Mass Mobilization Huynh Thanh Dat said that protecting air quality is a long-term responsibility for public health and the nation’s future.
Improving air quality requires effective efforts from all stakeholders, cooperation between central and local authorities and proactive participation from citizens and businesses, he added.
According to Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh, the ministry is implementing comprehensive measures to manage air quality, focusing on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
These activities include strengthening monitoring, warnings and data sharing, providing public access to environmental information, tightening control of pollution sources, and promoting the shift toward green transport, clean industries and smart, eco-friendly infrastructure.
“These practical actions help improve public health and contribute to realizing Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, toward a green and sustainable future,” Thanh said.
