March 09, 2026 | The Sukosol Hotel Bangkok, 477 Si Ayuthaya Rd., Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Background and objectives

As Asian cities continue to grow, rapid urbanization, worsening traffic congestion, and increasing car dependency are driving higher transport emissions, declining air quality, and escalating public health and climate challenges. Amidst these pressures, innovative, on-the-ground solutions are emerging across Asia, demonstrating how clean, inclusive, and equitable mobility can simultaneously improve access, reduce emissions, and protect public health.

Aligned with the BAQ 2026 theme, “Driving Action and Solutions” this pre-event will bring together cities, civil society, and community-led initiatives from Southeast Asia and Indian cities to showcase practical interventions, evidence-based policies, and citizen-driven campaigns.

In recognition of Women’s Month, the session will also highlight gender-inclusive, socially equitable transport solutions that ensure safe, secure access for women, persons with disabilities, children, and the elderly. The pre-event session seeks to:

• Share and exchange experiences and lessons of cities on addressing access and inclusivity in e-bus adoption programs, including making clean public transport fleets more affordable, safe and accessible for the most vulnerable groups in Asia, including Quezon City’s free e-bus service (Philippines), Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme (India), and TransJakarta’s transition towards e-bus and e-angkot electrification and subsidy strategies (Indonesia).

• Share skills and exchanges on mobilizing and educating a wider public and diverse audience to champion, act, and support clean air initiatives in Indonesia, Chiang Mai, Thailand, India and the Philippines.

This pre-event will cover two sessions:

Panel Discussion: Enabling Accessible, Inclusive, and Clean Public Transport Systems through Innovative Fare Systems in Asian Cities.

Morning Session | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The morning session will feature presentations on inclusive and affordable mobility initiatives across Asia. Speakers will share experiences from India’s Shakti Scheme, a free bus program for women; Indonesia’s strategies for transitioning to e-buses and e-angkots, including fare subsidies and inclusive service design; and Quezon City’s QC Libreng Sakay program, highlighting route planning, operational lessons, and challenges. Reactions will be shared by Clean Air Asia and Breathe Cities, followed by a panel discussion and open forum. The session concludes before the lunch and networking break.

Speakers:

• Rhea Karan, Associate Project Manager, Purpose

• Rifqi Khoirul Anam, Transport Associate II, ITDP Indonesia

• Mr. Alberto H. Kimpo, Assistant City Administrator for Operations, Local Government of Quezon City

Story-telling: Innovative Community-Led Campaigns for Clean Air in Cities in Asia

Afternoon Session | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

The afternoon session will highlight citizen-led initiatives for clean air through storytelling. Presentations will showcase advocacy campaigns, youth engagement, and innovative approaches, including the Giant Lung campaign, the Life in the Bubble campaign, student-led urban redesign using Minecraft, DIY air filter projects, and community-led haze response initiatives. The session concludes with a panel discussion and open forum.

Speakers:

• Siddharth Sreenivas, Coordinator, Clean Mobility Collective India

• Divya Narayanan, Executive Director, Jhatkaa

• Jhenyrose Nuguid Dabu, Sustainable Transport Campaigner, 350 Pilipinas

• Fadhil Firdaus, City Advisor, Breathe Cities Jakarta

• Primadita Rahma Ekida, Head of Program, Bicara Udara (Yayasan Udara Anak Bangsa)

• Akom Suwanganta, Coordinator, Chiangmai Breathe Council

Registration Form: Driving Action for Clear Skies – BAQ 2026 Pre-Event available here.