The Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT RRC.AP), in collaboration with the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), successfully organized the first webinar of the Malé Declaration series titled "Women Driving Changes in Air Quality Management for Better Air Quality in the Malé Declaration Region" on 30 March 2026.

This webinar marked the launch of a monthly webinar series aimed at supporting the revitalization and effective implementation of the Malé Declaration. The series seeks to strengthen national and regional capacities, promote peer learning, and enhance scientific and policy dialogue on air quality and transboundary air pollution, in line with the outcomes of the "Ambition to Action" meeting held in Bangkok in June 2025.

In celebration of International Women's Month, the webinar highlighted the leadership and contributions of women professionals in air quality management across South Asia and beyond. A total of 75 participants attended the session, representing academia, government, and the private sector, mostly from South and Southeast Asia, with additional participants from South Korea, Qatar, Finland, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Jordan.

Key Presentations

Dr. Vanisa Surapipith, Head of Air Pollution Cluster at AIT RRC.AP, delivered a presentation on behalf of Ms. Bidya Banmali Pradhan of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), who was unable to attend due to another urgent meeting. Dr. Vanisa revisited the presentation she had delivered at BAQ 2026 in Bangkok a few weeks earlier on “How to Advance Regional Action in Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF): Findings from Malé Declaration Scoping Study.” She highlighted the need for a regional emission inventory, data-sharing platforms, strengthened modelling capacity, and integration of air quality with climate and health policies. She also emphasized financing for clean technologies and a joint regional plan for progressing towards Net Zero. In addition, she introduced the Air Pollution Factsheet Series developed by AIT RRC.AP based on the Scoping Study.

Ms. Aminath Maiha Hameed, Air Quality Analyst, Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Maldives, presented on air quality management in the Maldives, noting that while overall air quality remains generally good, it worsens during November–March due to transboundary haze. She highlighted key pollution sources, ongoing monitoring efforts, and challenges such as limited coverage and technical capacity. She emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and the growing role of women in advancing air quality management.

Ms. Vernika Ranawaka Arachchi, Director (Air Quality, Noise and Vibration Monitoring), Central Environmental Authority, Sri Lanka, presented on Sri Lanka's air quality management framework. She highlighted strong regulatory systems, national monitoring networks, and the dominance of particulate matter pollution, with significant transboundary contributions. She emphasized challenges in forecasting, indoor air pollution, and capacity building, and stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation and joint action.

Dr. Abinaya Sekar, Consulting Research Fellow, Health Effects Institute, India, presented on the health impacts of air pollution in South Asia. She highlighted that air pollution is the leading risk factor for death in the region, with impacts 11 times higher than in high-income regions. She emphasized the burden on children and older adults, including over 200,000 deaths annually among children under five. She also noted rising ambient PM₂.₅ and ozone pollution, the absence of a safe exposure level, and the need to strengthen health data, monitoring systems, and research. She introduced the regional Database of South Asia – Air Pollution and Health (DoSAAH) to support evidence-based action.

Q&A Session Highlights

• Participants raised questions on training opportunities for young professionals and women. Speakers noted the need to strengthen capacity building in the region and highlighted the importance of establishing training mechanisms similar to those previously conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
• Participants also asked about community-based training for rural populations. Speakers shared that current efforts mainly focus on government officials, researchers, and awareness programmes, while community-level training has not yet been widely implemented but could be explored through stronger collaboration with local NGOs.
• A question was raised on health impacts across age groups. It was clarified that while effects appear lower in the 5–19 age group, air pollution still affects adolescents, with higher impacts observed among infants and older adults. HEI also offers training opportunities for South Asian citizens.
• Participants further asked about the need for air quality monitoring in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and industries. Speakers emphasized that monitoring is essential to establish baseline conditions, assess impacts, and support sustainable practices aligned with the SDGs.
• Finally, participants asked about community training programmes in Sri Lanka. It was noted that such initiatives are currently limited, with activities mainly focused on awareness programmes, and that expanding outreach will require stronger collaboration and support.