The City of Johannesburg faces urgent air quality challenges that have a significant impact on its most vulnerable communities. In recognition of this critical issue, the City is committed to developing robust air quality policies that target emission reductions, champion environmental justice and facilitate the adoption of low- and zero-emission technologies. The aim is to ensure that clean air is a fundamental right accessible to all communities throughout Johannesburg.
Considering this, the Air Aware: Youth-led Conference on Air Pollution Policy and Implementation is scheduled for 26 February 2026 at The Wanderers Club in Johannesburg. The event seeks to bridge the divide between high-level air quality policy discussions and the lived experiences of youth in Johannesburg.
Organised by the SAIIA’s Youth Programme (Youth@SAIIA), this conference builds on the success of a year-long pilot initiative known as the Air Aware: Youth-Led Air Pollution Awareness campaign. It sought to empower young people as key stakeholders in the call for enhanced air quality management in Johannesburg.
Providing a platform for youth to share their personal stories and advocacy efforts, the conference will culminate in the delivery of a powerful youth statement on air pollution for the City of Johannesburg. This statement will be presented to policymakers, researchers and civil society, ensuring that the voices of young clean-air advocates are heard and taken seriously in shaping the future of our city’s air quality policies. Together, we can forge a healthier, more equitable Johannesburg for all.
