Youth Voices Coordinator for Pollution Free Planet

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP/ROAP) helps to implement its global programmes in the regions by initiating, coordinating, and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental problems and emergencies.

To coordinate youth voices and engagement for Pollution Free Planet - UNEP’s Asia and the Pacific Office works to promote a green and just transition that delivers inclusive solutions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Poor management of chemicals and waste can lead to illness, contaminate neighbourhoods, and reduce the region’s productivity. UNEP promotes policy interventions, investments, and institutional capacity-building for sound management of chemicals and waste.

Plastic Waste and Marine Litter: Marine litter has ecological, social and economic impacts. It threatens the wellbeing of over 600 marine animals, the economies of coastal communities, and the productivity of marine ecosystems underpinning our food systems. These organic pollutants travel up the food chain and are ultimately be consumed by humans—threatening our health. Financially, marine debris cost the Asia Pacifi­c Economic Cooperation member countries US$1.3 billion each year. Asia has driven growth in plastic production over recent decades and is the leading consumer of plastics. Pacifi­c Island Countries and poor coastal communities in Asia are highly vulnerable to marine litter impacts due to their dependence on marine resources.

Air Pollution: Air pollution is a critical environmental challenge in Southeast Asia, affecting millions of lives. This report outlines a strategic approach to improving air quality while also combatting climate change in the ASEAN region. The Clean Air Solutions for ASEAN report identifies 15 priority measures that could more than triple the number of people breathing clean air by 2030 and reduce PM2.5 levels by 50–70%. These solutions also provide significant climate benefits, cutting emissions of black carbon (-70%), methane (-39%), and HFCs (-75%), alongside a 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030. Importantly, nearly 40% of the air pollution reduction potential can be achieved by strengthening enforcement of existing policies, highlighting the need for better implementation rather than entirely new regulations. This report is a roadmap and call to action for ASEAN nations, urging policymakers, businesses, and communities to adopt science-based solutions for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Under the direct supervision of Mushtaq Ahmed Memon, Regional Coordinator for Chemicals and Pollution Action in Asia Pacific, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks :
- To engage with the youth raising awareness and supporting advocacy for air pollution management, and plastic pollution management in Asia and the Pacific.
- Support the online webinars for youth on plastic pollution management and air pollution management.
- Assist in the relevant projects involving youth such as the “Youth Startups,” Youth Forums, Exhibitions, and Dialogues.