The Air Quality Improvement Program in ASEAN (AQIP) is an initiative funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented and managed by Expertise France (EF). It is conducted in partnership with the ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally Sustainable Cities (AWGESC) and the Environment Division of the ASEAN Secretariat. This strategic collaboration aims to support ASEAN and its Member States in developing effective public policies to improve air quality across the region.

Air quality management is a societal challenge that requires the establishment of long-term strategies and planning supported by policies at regional, national and local levels aimed at coordinating the efforts among all stakeholders. AQIP aims to support efforts in addressing the issues of air pollution in ASEAN countries through comprehensive and integrated approaches. The program is structured around key outputs, one of which focusing on capacity-building activities.

In order to enhance the support being extended under the Program, the inclusion of strategic planning of air quality policies have to be adopted both in terms of monitoring and air quality management (e.g. emission and exposure reduction policies). Therefore, this capacity building activity should engage regional, national and local stakeholders in discussing strategic priorities and improving existing air quality policies as reflected in action plans in the region. Topics would include but not limited to governance, regulation, enforcement mechanisms, awareness raising, as well as sharing best practices that could be replicated in the region.

This initiative is implemented jointly with the support of Ricardo and the Clean Air Asia.

This course serves as as a platform to strengthen a community of practice (COP) among ASEAN Member States (AMS). The portal provides a hub for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaboration, enabling policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to access resources, exchange experiences, and co-develop solutions for long-term strategic planning on air quality management. By fostering continuous engagement and peer-to-peer learning, the platform supports ASEAN’s collective efforts to advance sustainable and coordinated approaches to improve air quality and protect public health.

Members of the COP can use the assigned discussion forum to discuss and share ideas.