Joburg youth step into air pollution policy arena ahead of major conference

By Levy Masiteng

The City of Johannesburg says young people are confidently stepping into the policy arena after being equipped to help shape the city’s response to air pollution at the Air Aware Pre-Conference Workshop on Air Pollution Policy and Implementation.

The workshop, held on Monday at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) headquarters in Braamfontein, precedes the Air Aware: Youth-Led Conference on Air Pollution Policy and Implementation scheduled for 26 February at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg.

Participants took part in group engagements and submitted written inputs toward a Youth Statement on air pollution and its health impacts in Johannesburg. The statement will be presented directly to policymakers.

Musa Mahlatji, Deputy Director for Air Quality Management in the City, reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to inclusive environmental governance.

“By creating space for youth voices in air quality management and policy dialogue, we are building a generation that understands