GAHP Organised the 2026 Regional Pollution Forum in Vietnam

In line with its mission to improve health by addressing pollution, the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) partnered with UK government to convene senior government representatives from Viet Nam, Thailand, Cambodia, and other Southeast Asian countries, alongside international organisations, development partners, researchers, civil society (including from the BRS Center in China, UNDP, WHO, Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation) and donors from 1-3 March, New World Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City for the 2026 Regional Pollution Forum (RPF) for Southeast Asia.

Pollution remains a major and preventable driver of disease, environmental degradation, and economic loss across the region. While countries are advancing national responses, shared pollution challenges continue to cross borders and sectors. RPF responded to this reality by creating a platform for coordinated regional dialogue, practical knowledge exchange, and collaboration on pollution issues, focused on protecting health and supporting sustainable development.

Held from 1 to 3 March, the RPF brought together stakeholders to examine priority environmental health challenges and interventions related to air, chemical, and plastic pollution, and waste management. Through country presentations and context-setting sessions, participants shared evidence on pollution sources, exposure pathways, and health impacts, while identifying common priorities for action.

A key component of the RPF was the presentation of implementation experiences from the Environmental Pollution Programme in Vietnam (EPP-VN). These sessions highlighted practical lessons from local partners, demonstrating how locally driven approaches could translate policy and evidence into tangible health, environmental, and economic benefits.

EPP-VN and RPF are supported by UK International Development from the UK government through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and implemented in collaboration with the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE).

Maria Paola Lia, Executive Director of GAHP said, “Pollution is a major but preventable cause of disease across Southeast Asia. This Forum brings countries and partners together to focus on practical, evidence-based solutions that deliver real health benefits, including those demonstrated through our work in Viet Nam under the Environmental Pollution Programme.”

Toks Akinseye, Defra, UK Government,”A priority for the UK Government is working with all stakeholders to deliver sustainable and locally led environmental pollution solutions. The Regional Pollution Forum, as a key part of the Environmental Pollution Programme, is a Defra-led multilateral approach aiming to bring benefits to national governments and local communities. We look forward to the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and innovative approaches at this Forum.”

“Many chemical contaminants that significantly affect health and the environment are still under-recognised,” said Jacqueline Alvarez, Chief of the Chemicals and Health Branch at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “Current global datasets do not yet fully capture these issues because of the way indicators have been developed. In Southeast Asia, rapidly growing sectors such as textiles and electronics bring additional chemical challenges that require greater attention. Forums like this are important for identifying these emerging priorities and helping to shape the international agenda on pollution and health.”

Outcomes from RPF would inform a shared regional roadmap and future collaborative activities to advance pollution prevention and health protection across Southeast Asia.

For Media Inquiries: TRAN DINH TRUONG THINH (Mr.) | Communication Manager | kevin@gahp.org