The International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA) was founded in 1964 at the initiative of the US Air Pollution Control Association. Its mission is to promote the prevention and control of air pollution and protect the environment by advancing scientific understanding, developing skills and technologies, and advocating for effective policies at both national and international levels. IUAPPA works to foster sustainable development by integrating environmental protection into global policymaking, collaborating with scientists, policymakers, regulators, businesses, and citizen groups to achieve a clean and healthy atmospheric environment. 

IUAPPA's work on air pollution includes organizing major international gatherings like the World Clean Air Congress. This congress serves as a platform for scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the latest research and policy developments in air quality management. IUAPPA also sponsors regional conferences, particularly in developing countries, to enhance capacity and knowledge sharing on air pollution control techniques. Additionally, IUAPPA manages the Global Atmospheric Pollution Forum, which focuses on critical issues such as long-range transboundary air pollution, environmental challenges in mega-cities, and climate change. 

IUAPPA collaborates with international organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to advance global initiatives on air quality and climate change. It is a partner of the UNEP Climate and Clean Air Coalition, working together to reduce short-lived climate pollutants and improve air quality globally. IUAPPA also publishes various materials, including the World Atlas of Atmospheric Pollution, which provides comprehensive insights into global air pollution patterns and trends.