The first annual conference of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm Paytm Foundation’s Air Quality Action Forum (AQAF) was held by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) in New Delhi. The event was attended by Mr. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, Mr. Vijay Shekhar Sharma, MD and CEO, Paytm, and UNEP’s Goodwill Ambassador Ms. Dia Mirza.
The Conference shared key findings from the Needs Assessment report prepared by AQAF which identified the gaps, needs and solutions for effective air quality management in India, in the areas of science, technology, policy, capacity, and finance.
To support the action of AQAF, the Resource Centre was discussed with Government representatives, and the immediate steps for its institutionalisation and operationalisation were identified. The Resource Centre will be providing knowledge and technical resources and facilitate access to finance and linkage to stakeholders engaged in planning, implementation, and funding.
“The Needs Assessment recommendations, when implemented, will help in improving the air quality in urban centres as well as villages of India. I believe that all of us together, from citizens to municipalities to states and national governments, have to come together to address the challenge of air pollution in order to drive greater economic growth in the country.”
— Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder and CEO, Paytm
”It is not countries rather individuals and communities which will make a difference.”
— Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa
“Focused efforts are required in India to tackle air pollution due to its complex nature, as well as the fact that pollution can transcend jurisdictional boundaries. Ensuring that air pollution is addressed collectively with all stakeholders is the need of the hour”.
— Atul Bagai, UNEP Country Head, India
AQAF was set up by our Foundation in partnership with UNEP to facilitate an inclusive approach to tackling air pollution through stakeholder engagement.
