This international webinar, to be held on 7 April 2026, World Health Day, will address air pollution not only as an environmental issue but also as a human rights issue. The event marks the Turkish-language publication of the March 2026 report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, translated and published by the Right to Clean Air Platform (THHP).
Air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental health risks worldwide, causing more than 8 million premature deaths each year. The Special Rapporteur’s report presents the scientific evidence underlying this crisis and provides a comprehensive framework outlining States’ obligations under international human rights law, as well as the necessary actions to prevent environmental harm and protect public health.
In Türkiye and across the Global South, air quality remains significantly affected by fossil fuel use, coal-fired power plants, transport emissions, and industrial activities. In this context, as Türkiye prepares to host COP31, strengthening the links between clean air, climate policy, public health, and human rights will be critical to advancing more ambitious and health-centered international climate action. This webinar aims to contribute to policy dialogue in support of these objectives.
Purpose of the Webinar
This webinar aims to:
- Present the key findings of the UN Special Rapporteur’s 2026 report;
- Facilitate discussion on air quality challenges from a human rights perspective;
- Explore the interconnections between air pollution, fossil fuel dependency, climate policy, and public health;
- Contribute to international policy discussions in the lead-up to COP31.
Why It Matters
The webinar aligns with the theme of World Health Day 2026, “Together for health. Stand with science,” highlighting the importance of integrating scientific evidence into policymaking processes.
It also provides an important platform to advocate for the inclusion of public health and fossil fuel phase-out pathways in Türkiye’s emerging COP31 Action Agenda.
Speakers
Astrid Puentes Riaño, UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health
Prof. Dr. Alpay Azap, Chairperson, Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Central Council
Sean Maguire, Spokesperson, Clean Air Fund (video message)
Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Çağlayan, Physicians for the Environment Association THHP Representative
Shweta Narayan, Campaign Lead, Global Climate and Health Alliance
Feray Salman, General Coordinator, Human Rights Joint Platform
Prof. Dr. Gamze Varol, Turkish Medical Association THHP Representative
Moderators
Assoc. Prof. Melike Yavuz, Right to Clean Air Platform
Deniz Gümüşel, Right to Clean Air Platform
Organizers
Right to Clean Air Platform (THHP)
The Right to Clean Air Platform (THHP) is a national civil society coalition established in June 2015, bringing together 15 organizations and professional associations working in health, environmental protection, and climate. The Platform aims to reduce air pollution—particularly from energy and industrial sources—protect public health, and advocate for the right to clean air.
Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA)
Founded in 2011, GCHA brings together and mobilises the health community to address the climate crisis, accelerate climate action, and protect and improve health globally. The Alliance is a global network of over 200 organizations representing more than 46 million health professionals worldwide.
Our Kids’ Climate (OKC)
Our Kids’ Climate believes all children today and tomorrow should inherit a healthy planet and just world, rooted in renewable energy and built through intergenerational solidarity. It is an anchor organization, connecting national and grassroots groups, and supporting organizers from more than 50 countries to develop parent-led, family-friendly, intergenerational organizing and engagement strategies. Or Kids’ Environment works to build the strength and capacity of the growing parent and intergenerational climate movement worldwide.
Who Should Attend?
The webinar is open to a wide national and international audience, including:
- Government representatives
- Academics and health professionals
- Civil society organizations
- Journalists
- Representatives of international organizations
Event Details
📅 Date: 7 April 2026 (World Health Day)
🕘 Time: 09:00 – 10:45 (GMT+3) 📍 Format: Online (Zoom)
🌐 Language: English and Turkish (with simultaneous interpretation)
Registration
To participate in the webinar, please complete the registration form.
The webinar link will be shared with registered participants via email one day prior to the event.
Programme
Download the programme as PDF.
