Air quality governance is the decision-making processes involved in air pollution prevention and control. It assists policy development and implementation, and supports information sharing, accountability mechanisms, and strengthens stakeholder participation in all aspects of air quality management. Good governance in air quality management is an essential element in every step of the development air quality policy and associated action plans to ensure the ultimate goals of achieving better air quality and more liveable cities.

In Guidance Area 6, the main components of air quality governance which forms the basis of air quality management will be discussed. This module will also explain the importance of political support, implementation and enforcement, policy reforms, financial resources, institutional strengthening, information disclosure and communication in air quality governance. This module is divided into four sections: 1) Air quality governance - defines and explains the role of governance in air quality management and the attributes of good governance; 2) Policy cycle – discusses the key steps in the air pollution policy cycle; 3) Institutional arrangements – discusses the importance of identifying the roles of different agencies and stakeholders and of establishing partnerships; and 4) Key challenges to attaining good air quality governance.