UrbanBetter

September was a dynamic month for the Accra Cityzens Hub, marked by impactful activations and campaigns: - Following the completion of the Cityzens Training Workshop, Run Leaders launched their first-quarter activation and campaign on 7 September 2024, commemorating the #CleanAirDay. The data collection took place at La Dadekotokpon Municipal Assembly and during the Millennium Marathon in Osu. - On 21 September 2024, the Hub organised a cycling campaign at the University of Ghana campus to celebrate #WorldCarFreeDay. This initiative engaged 22 UrbanBetter Cityzens, promoting cycling as a sustainable transport option while raising awareness of the environmental and health impacts of vehicular emissions. - On 26 September 2024, the Accra Cityzens Run Leaders, supported by 30 Cityzens and partner participants, executed the first quarter data-informed campaign in alliance with the World Cities Day Campaign at a key vehicular traveller route and a populated physical activity route at the boundary of the Greater Accra Region and Eastern Region. Participants were educated on the health risks of vehicular emissions, particularly during physical activities, using insights from the first quarter data analysis workshop. These events highlight our commitment to fostering a healthier, more sustainable urban environment in Accra. #Accra #cityzens4cleanair #worldcitiesday #cleanairday #citizenscience Clean Air Fund Mainasara Waziri Tolullah Oni Lord Offei-Darko

Clean Air Fund Grantee Convening On 11 December 2024, the Clean Air Fund Grantee Convening took place at the Tomreik Hotel in East Legon, Accra. Lord Offei-Darko, our Accra Hub Coordinator, attended the convening, which aimed to strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing among grantees while outlining the Clean Air Fund's Strategic Plan for 2025 and beyond. The event featured: 📌Presentations from grantees highlighting their project progress and key achievements. 📌A panel discussion on innovative approaches to tackling air pollution in Ghana. 📌Breakout sessions to explore new opportunities for collaboration. 📌A review of Clean Air Fund Ghana's 2024 strategic objectives and next steps for 2025. 📌A workshop on leveraging data-driven approaches for advocacy and policy influence. 📌Development of a shared action plan to drive policy influence, public awareness, and community engagement. The UrbanBetter Accra Cityzens Hub Coordinator shared insights on the Cityzens 4 Clean Air Project, which has achieved significant milestones in fostering community participation and integrating clean air policies to create climate-resilient cities in Accra. With clean air as a shared goal, this convening was a vital step in advancing collective efforts to combat air pollution and advocate for healthier, sustainable urban environments. #CleanAirFund #UrbanBetter #Cityzens4CleanAir #ClimateAction #CleanAirForAll #AccraInitiatives Lord Offei-Darko @DESMOND APPIAH (Ph.D.) Clean Air Fund

Join us in commemorating #WorldSustainableTransportDay by cycling, walking, and running as we reaffirm our mission to drive healthy and sustainable development in urban(ising) settings worldwide! Our Lagos Hub will be hosting a special 6km run activation to honour sustainable transport efforts in Lagos and promote physical activity. 🗓️30 November 2024 ⏱️ 08:00 am 📍Shoprite Sangotedo Sustainable transport is at the heart of our work, shaping the air we breathe, the ways we move, and the food we eat. By harnessing the power of youth, the vitality of physical activity, and the potential of #CitizenScience, we can transform urban spaces into healthier, more equitable environments. We echo UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) call to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport, unlocking its potential to reduce poverty and inequality, empower women, and combat climate change. 📌 Visit the link to join the run: https://lnkd.in/dk4ve23V Let's make the urban better! 🚶♂️🚲 #WorldSustainableTransportDay #UrbanBetter #SustainableDevelopment Clean Air Fund UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) UN Environment Programme Mainasara Waziri

We're happy to share that the deadline for abstract submissions for the 2nd African Forum on Urban Forests has been extended to 30 November 2024! Join us in Johannesburg, South Africa (18–21 March 2025), to explore how urban forests can shape resilient African cities. Submit abstracts on: 🌍 Climate-proofing cities 🌍 Equitable access & well-being 🌍 Business case for urban forests For more information and submission guidelines: https://afuf.co.za/ #AFUF2025 #JoburgSustainableLiving City of Johannesburg FAO ICLEI Tolullah Oni

At the #ICUH2024 conference, our engagement with emerging young leaders highlighted the power of the UrbanBetter Cityzens initiative alongside the Africa Urban Health Community of Practice—a partnership between International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) and UrbanBetter Academy. As partners in charge of the youth sessions, we were proud to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and collaboration. Monday: UrbanBetter Activation At the pre-conference course, we began with an introductory presentation followed by a hands-on activation with AFCD (Youth For Climate Morocco), a Moroccan youth climate organisation. Participants used wearable sensors and the UrbanBetter Cityzens app to collect air quality data during a 5km walk/run, sparking discussions on healthier public spaces. Tuesday: Africa Urban Health Community of Practice Networking Urban health professionals shared projects, challenges, and set goals for the year ahead. Speakers such as Lambed T., Christelle Lahoud and Tolullah Oni highlighted an "Africa-first" approach to urban health. Tuesday: Youth Roundtable Youth leaders facilitated discussions on mental health, the impact of climate on physical health, and strengthening health systems, with lively dance breaks adding inclusivity. Wednesday & Thursday: Youth-Led Dialogue Across two days, youth leaders synthesised insights into a Youth-Led Conference Insights Statement to guide future action on urban health and climate change. By combining initiatives like the UrbanBetter Cityzens and Africa Urban Health Community of Practice, we've demonstrated the power of youth perspectives and citizen science in shaping healthier, more equitable cities. #ICUH2024 #CitizenScience #PrecisionAdvocacy #Cityzens4CleanAir #CleanAirMarakech International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) Tolullah Oni Mainasara Waziri Lord Offei-Darko World Health Organization High Atlas Foundation Clean Air Fund

#ICUH2024 - Day 4 Today was nothing short of energising at #ICUH2024! A highlight was our dance break and dialogue session—a vibrant blend of movement and discussion that redefined how we engage with critical topics. With guidance from our amazing rapporteurs, we explored: - Environmental and physical health impacts - Strengthening health systems for climate action - Mental health and its connection to climate change The Majlis—an open, intergenerational discussion—put youth at the centre of the dialogue. It created a space for participants to lead conversations and amplify the issues that matter most to them. This demonstrated how a youth-driven approach breathes fresh energy into our collective goal of healthier, climate-resilient cities. This session—and others throughout the conference—have shown that when young people lead, innovation and impact follow. We are confident that, together, we are reimagining healthier, climate-resilient urban futures. #icuh2024 #citizenscience #precisionadvocacy #cityzens4cleanair #cleanairmarakech International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) Tolullah Oni Mainasara Waziri Lord Offei-Darko World Health Organization High Atlas Foundation Clean Air Fund

#ICUH2024 - Day 3 It's been a packed day here at #ICUH2024 with engaging sessions, including a highlight for us - "Ensuring Health in a Changing Climate". Discussions focused on building resilient urban health systems that integrate climate adaptation and public health through upstream environmental prevention. We hosted a side event that focused on "Youth Roundtables: Leading Climate Resilient Cities", which reflects our commitment to scalable, #data-driven solutions that equip and connect an Africa-led global movement of youth #cityzen scientists. Key topics explored: - Environmental and physical health - Health systems and climate action - Access to education - Mental health and the impact of climate change These discussions enrich our mission to advance climate-health equity and resilience in urban spaces. Stay tuned for more updates! #ICUH2024 #CitizenScience #PrecisionAdvocacy #Cityzens4CleanAir #CleanAirMarakech International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) Tolullah Oni Mainasara Waziri Lord Offei-Darko World Health Organization High Atlas Foundation Clean Air Fund

#ICUH2024 - Day 2 Today at the plenary session, Prof. Tolullah Oni presented on a panel addressing critical issues in advancing climate-health equity. Drawing insights from the RWJF report "Six Global Trends in Health Equity", discussions focused on healthy public spaces, nutrition security, and the housing crisis in the context of climate change. These discussions are essential as we work toward solutions to global health challenges, emphasising equitable resource access and inclusive environments to support healthier communities worldwide. #ICUH2024 #CitizenScience #PrecisionAdvocacy #Cityzens4CleanAir #CleanAirMarakech International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) Tolullah Oni Mainasara Waziri Lord Offei-Darko World Health Organization High Atlas Foundation Clean Air Fund

As part of Day 1 of the #ICUH2024 conference schedule, in partnership with AFCD, participants engaged in a #datacollection activation in Marrakech! Equipped with wearable sensors and the UrbanBetter Cityzens app, participants collected real-time #airpollution and #airquality data. This data will be analysed by Run Leaders, who will then use it to inform future awareness campaigns and influence decision-making. Through the Precision Advocacy Model, #Cityzens are able to transform these insights into impactful actions, leveraging physical activity to drive sustainable urban change. To download our Cityzens App visit this link: https://lnkd.in/d4Sw9_eM #ICUH2024 #CitizenScience #PrecisionAdvocacy #Cityzens4CleanAir #CleanAirMarakech @International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) Tolullah Oni Mainasara Waziri Lord Offei-Darko World Health Organization High Atlas Foundation Clean Air Fund

UrbanBetter #Cityzens are in action at the 20th International Conference on Urban Health (ICUH) in Marrakech!! Our CEO, Tolullah Oni and Lagos Hub Coordinator, Mainasara Waziri are showcasing the transformative Precision Advocacy Model—a dynamic approach empowering #Cityzens to identify and respond to issues in their urban environments. Through the Precision Advocacy Model, #Cityzens gather real-time #AirQuality data to generate actionable insights, leveraging physical activity to inspire sustainable urban change. This approach drives a continuous cycle of data, action, impact, and data, empowering communities to create equitable, climate-resilient solutions that contribute to healthier, more sustainable cities. #ICUH2024 #CitizenScience #PrecisionAdvocacy #Cityzens4CleanAir #CleanAirMarakech International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) Tolullah Oni Mainasara Waziri Lord Offei-Darko World Health Organization High Atlas Foundation Clean Air Fund