WHO director urges India to lead dialogue at COP28 in Dubai

World Health Organisation (WHO) has sought the support from India to lead the dialogue on air pollution against its impact on health at COP28.

WHO director Dr. Maria Neira has called on India to lead the dialogue on air pollution and health at COP28 in Dubai.

Neira said this while speaking at the India Clean Air Summit (ICAS) 2023 in Bengaluru.

COP28 is a commonly referred term for The United Nations Climate Change Conference. This conference will be held from November 12 to December 12 in Dubai.

“India now has the presidency of G20, one of the interventions of which is decarbonisation of the healthcare sector, but we need your support, and collaboration in providing ideas for strengthening the health community’s argument on health on December 3 in COP28.” quoted The Indian Express as told by Dr. Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO.

For the first time, COP28 has included health as its theme. WHO is looking forward to unite a large number of health professionals from various countries at COP28 as air pollution and climate change are related.

Depending on cleaner fuels instead of fossil fuels, better urban planning and sustainable ecosystems are to be strictly followed to achieve the goals of COP28.

Breathing clean air is fundamental to everyone’s health and addressing the issue of air pollution will not only positively impact our health and well-being, but also help in achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).