Environmental Youth Summit

Introduction: Balwin Environmental, SHEQ, and Foundation staff participated in the Environmental Youth Summit. The summit brought together various stakeholders, including government representatives, environmental organizations, academic institutions, and ten participating high schools. The event focused on addressing the issue of plastic waste, with the schools presenting innovative solutions that emphasized the importance of community collaboration and involvement from municipalities and corporates.

Event Overview:

Balwin Environmental, SHEQ, and Foundation staff actively attended the Environmental Youth Summit.

The summit aimed to engage youth in finding solutions to the plastic waste problem.

Key Attendees:

The event witnessed the presence of notable figures, including the Junior Member of the Mayoral Committee for the Environmental and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), Junior Mayor of Joburg Municipality, representatives from SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute), GDARD (Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development), DFFE (Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment), Pikitup (City of Johannesburg waste management entity), UJ (University of Johannesburg) students, and CCEHSA (Center for Communication, Health, and the Environment in Southern Africa).

School Presentations:

Ten participating high schools presented their solutions to the plastic waste situation.

The presentations showcased the students’ inventive ideas, demonstrating their understanding of the problem and the importance of collaboration among the community, municipalities, and corporates.

Importance of Collaboration:

The summit highlighted the need for collective efforts to address plastic waste.

The students emphasized the significance of community collaboration, municipal involvement, and corporate investment in finding sustainable solutions.

Conclusion: The Environmental Youth Summit provided a platform for Balwin Environmental, SHEQ, and Foundation staff to engage in discussions surrounding plastic waste. The event featured insightful presentations from ten high schools, where students showcased their inventive solutions and underscored the importance of community collaboration, municipal support, and corporate involvement. By emphasizing the need for collective action, the summit served as a catalyst for inspiring environmental consciousness and fostering a sense of responsibility among the youth. The participation of Balwin staff in the summit demonstrates their commitment to environmental sustainability and their support for empowering the younger generation in addressing pressing environmental challenges