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This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines youth climate advocacy in Africa, focusing on the roles of civil society, government, and international networks. It documents how young people are transitioning from symbolic participants to active agents of change through networking, social media, and policy engagement, while highlighting the systemic barriers—such as the digital divide and tokenism—that hinder meaningful intergenerational equity in climate governance.

The 'Air Aware: A Journey of Youth-Led Action for Clean Air and Environmental Justice in Johannesburg' guide documents a campaign by Youth@SAIIA, part of the global Breathe Cities initiative. The program empowers young people aged 13–25 in South Africa to transition from awareness to advocacy through capacity-building workshops, the creation of 'Youth Air Champions' (YACs), and community-led campaigns. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between youth lived experiences and formal air quality governance, culminating in a Youth-Led Conference on Air Pollution Policy and Implementation to influence the City of Johannesburg's air quality policies.