YOUNG
GAMECHANGERS
INITIATIVE
YOUNG
GAMECHANGERS
INITIATIVE
Improving the health and well-being of young people in intermediary cities.
Youth have a limited say
in local governance
Despite being among the most active users of public goods and having a significant stake in the future, young people are often underrepresented in urban governance processes.
The future of our cities
is youthful
With 55% of the global population currently residing in urban areas and an anticipated increase to 68% by 2050, it is expected that up to 60% of all urban dwellers will be under the age of 18 by 2030.
Innovative tools can
become a solution
To address these challenges, it is crucial to develop appropriate mechanisms and participatory tools, including digital technologies, that increase youth inclusion in urban governance.
PILLARS
Young Gamechangers Initiative’s approach to address these challenges is underpinned by the following pillars:
YOUTH GOVERNANCE
DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT
INCLUSIVE PUBLIC SPACES
PROCESS
There are two prerequisites and six studios that make up the approach that underpins Young Gamechangers Initiative, including:
SELECTED CITIES
Jatni, India
Jatni in India is an intermediary city and a major sub-urban area of Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha. The rapid urbanization led to land use change which resulted in massive decrease of dense vegetation along with increasing levels of air pollution, suspended particulate matter and emission of greenhouse gases. Jatni lack defined structures to engage the youth in the development and governance processes.
Armenia, Colombia
Armenia in Colombia is the capital of the department of Quindío, a region that was deeply affected in 1999 by a large earthquake. Armenia is part of the “Colombian Coffee-Growers Axis”, where coffee is one of the main productive sectors in the region and the country. The pressure exerted by the rapid urbanization led to greater occupancy of ravines, consequent loss of biodiversity, land use conflicts and forest fragmentations.
Bargny, Senegal
Bargny in Senegal is known for being a coastal city full of fishing related economical activities. Located at 35 kilometres south of Dakar, the city has now been absorbed into the capital’s periphery and transformed into a polluted industrial area. Bargny is suffering from rising sea levels, confiscated land, resource depletion, environmental pollution, lack of engagement and loss of livelihoods, impacting negatively on young people health and wellbeing.
VOICES OF YOUTH
MEET THE TEAM
We are the team of dedicated professionals passionate about making cities children- and youth-friendly while bolstering youth inclusion in urban contexts.
STORIES AND NEWS
Call for Submissions: Assessing the Impact of Youth Engagement in Designing Public Spaces
18 September 2023, Nairobi. – Are you passionate about public spaces, youth engagement, and urban health and wellbeing? Are you
Young Researchers’ Messages on Urban Health at the UIA World Congress of Architects 2023 Side Event
UN-Habitat is committed to advancing the health and wellbeing of cities and communities through it is operational and normative work.
VIDEOS
Young Gamechangers Initiative seeks to improve the health and well-being of young people in intermediary cities in India, Senegal and Colombia. Funded by Fondation Botnar, the project is led by UN-Habitat in collaboration with Block by Block Foundation and being implemented with a range of private and public partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), local governments in the selected cities and local youth-led organizations.