The objectives of the training course were as follows: i) Raising awareness of the Global Environment Monitoring System's Urban Air Quality Management Programme (GEMS/Air) in the EMR; ii) Fostering of regional cooperation and collaboration through a forum of discussions and exchange of experiences; iii) Strengthening of national air quality monitoring and assessment capabilities; iv) Identification of problems relating to air quality monitoring and identification of possible solutions; and v) Training participants to, in turn, train other people in their own countries.