The 2026 International Day of Clean Air for blue skies was commemorated in Chengdu on September 5. With the theme "Adding Blue to Cities", the event was co-hosted by the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Clean Air Asia and the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Ecological Environment, and co-organized by the Chengdu Center for Ecology and Environment Publicity, Education and International Cooperation and World Environment magazine. By showcasing Chengdu's practices in atmospheric governance, the event served as a platform to foster inter-city cooperation and multi-stakeholder synergy. It aimed to pool wisdom and action toward building a Beautiful China and promoting a win-win scenario for clean air and low-carbon development among Asian cities.

Event Venue [Photo from the Organizers]

More than 100 representatives from government agencies, international organizations, research institutes, enterprises, community NGOs, and the media gathered in Chengdu. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on key topics, including the synergy between clean air and climate action, urban atmospheric governance and low-carbon development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, as well as public engagement and international communication.

Yuantong Ancient Town at the Foot of Snow-capped Mountains [Photo by Zhihong Zhu]

At the city salon themed "Urban Atmospheric Governance and Low-Carbon Development during the 15th Five-Year Plan Period," guests explored new challenges facing urban air pollution control and possible solutions from the perspectives of international experiences, scientific research policies, industrial practices, community engagement and international communication. They also put forward suggestions centered on three key words: legacy, collaboration and joint efforts.

Event Venue [Photo from the organizers]

In addition, a themed exhibition area was set up alongside the event to mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. It featured the "I See Snow-Capped Mountains in Chengdu" 2025 Photography Exhibition of outstanding works and a display showcasing the achievements of the "Adding Blue" initiative. Through photography, art and public communication, the exhibition highlighted the changes that improved air quality has brought to urban life, helping turn clean air from a governance goal into a shared social consensus and public action. (By Libin Nie and Shichun Shen)