PRESS STATEMENT
International Youth Day 2025
Geneva, Switzerland – As world leaders at the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) debate a global plastics and chemicals treaty, African youth are clear: this is not just diplomacy—it’s a fight for our health, environment, and future.
From flooded streets in Freetown to toxic smoke over Nairobi, plastic and chemical pollution is an everyday emergency across Africa. Yet, too often, our realities are sidelined by political deadlock and industry influence.
The African Youth Alliance for Chemicals and Waste (AYACW) is taking our voices from classrooms and clean-ups to the UN floor—because decisions here will shape the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the safety of our communities.
Our demands are simple:
1. Strong, binding rules—no loopholes for polluters.
2. Youth and women at the decision-making table, from start to finish.
3. African readiness now—laws, data, and resources in place before the ink dries.
4. Investment in innovation—support African youth leading safe, circular solutions.
This treaty must deliver justice, not just promises. Our measure of success will be when children from Slums like Kroo Bay to Kibera can live and grow free from toxic pollution.
“We are not passive observers—we are builders of solutions. Africa’s voice must shape this treaty, and its youth must help lead the way.” – Mohamed Jalloh, AYACW Regional Coordinator
