Session 8. Youth for Clean Air and Blue Skies

Children and young people have been on the front line of an environmental health crises they played no part in creating. Every day, around 93 per cent of the world’s children under the age of 15 years breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk, says the World Health Organization.

However, young people have raised their voices and taken stage in the fight against air pollution. Children and youth are important agents of change when it comes to tackling the environmental crisis. As highlighted in UNEP Global Environmental Outlook (GEO)-6 for Youth, the active engagement of children and youth in understanding the state of our environment (and the importance of protecting it) is critical if we are to achieve sustainable development globally. Young people can play a pivotal role in spreading actions across generations by being agents of change, joining collective activities, and raising awareness.

This session will bring together young leaders from the region to showcase clean air action and youth participation in developing and implementing clean air solutions. It will also highlight the role of youth in raising awareness on clean air and how it is key to enhance ambition to improve air quality and contribute to climate action.