22 November 2024, Nairobi. – “In the heart of Mathare, an informal settlement in Nairobi, a simple public space has become a symbol of hope, empowerment, and resilience, proving that even the most underserved communities can thrive with the right investment and collaboration,” said Mr. Michal Mlynár, UN-Habitat’s Deputy Executive Director, reflecting on his visit to the Mathare Community Park.
Mr. Mlynár’s remarks captured the essence of the assembly, themed “Home is Where We Live,” which celebrated the transformative power of youth-led initiatives and their role in addressing urban challenges. With urbanization accelerating worldwide, the assembly highlighted the urgency of localizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 on sustainable cities, and ensuring youth are central to urban transformation.
Urbanization: A Growing Challenge
Urbanization is one of the defining trends of the 21st century. By 2050, 70% of the global population is expected to reside in urban areas. While cities present opportunities for innovation and growth, they also face significant challenges, including housing shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and rising social inequality.
Mr. Mlynár emphasized that youth are disproportionately affected by these challenges, particularly in Africa, where 70% of urban residents live in slums, and youth unemployment remains critically high. “Cities are not just where we live; they are engines of opportunity and innovation. But they must be inclusive, safe, and resilient to fulfill their potential,” he stated.
Localization is key to addressing these challenges. Mr. Mlynár highlighted UN-Habitat’s approach, which focuses on translating global goals into actionable solutions tailored to local contexts. For example, the Go Blue initiative in Kenya’s coastal counties integrates waste management, public space creation, and youth job training, demonstrating how community-driven solutions can tackle multiple urban issues simultaneously.
Youth: Agents of Urban Change
Youth empowerment is central to UN-Habitat’s vision for sustainable urbanization. During his opening remarks, Mr. Mlynár celebrated the role of young people in driving transformative projects. He cited various examples, including Nairobi’s Mathare Community Park, as models of youth-led urban solutions.
The Mathare Community Park, developed with support from UN-Habitat, the Canadian High Commission, and local organizations like the Mto Wangu Initiative, exemplifies the power of partnerships. Once a degraded area along the Mathare River, the site has been revitalized into a hub for recreation, education, and environmental restoration.
During his recent visit to the park as part of the Mathare Partnership Celebration, Mr. Mlynár remarked, ‘This park is more than just a green space; it is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Mathare’s youth”. The event showcased the collaboration between UN-Habitat, Mto Wangu Initiative, Slum Dwellers International (SDI) Kenya, and youth-led organizations in addressing local challenges, including disaster response and climate resilience.
Such initiatives demonstrate the broader impact of youth leadership in urban development. Programs like UN-Habitat’s Youth Advisory Board, Youth 2030 Cities initiative, and Young Game Changers provide platforms for young people to lead projects, shape policies, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
A Global Movement for Youth Empowerment
The Children and Youth Assembly served as a milestone in advancing global frameworks like the Pact for the Future and the Declaration for Future Generations. These documents emphasize meaningful youth participation in peacebuilding, security, and urban resilience. Mr. Mlynár lauded the integration of youth perspectives, stating, “Your voices have been heard. These documents are a testament to the power of your advocacy and the urgency of your demands.”
The assembly underscored the need to amplify youth voices and address systemic challenges. Fewer than 3% of political decision-makers globally are under 30, with young women comprising less than 1%. “This stark contrast underscores the vast potential we are missing by not integrating young people into the decision-making process,” Mr. Mlynár noted.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges of urbanization, Mr. Mlynár expressed optimism about the future. He urged young leaders to translate insights into concrete actions, emphasizing their critical role in shaping inclusive, sustainable cities. “The future is not something distant; it’s being built now, and young people must be at the heart of that creation,” he concluded.
As UN-Habitat continues to foster youth engagement through localized solutions and global collaborations, projects like the Mathare Community Park serve as powerful examples of what can be achieved when youth are empowered to lead. The Children and Youth Assembly reinforced the importance of placing young people at the forefront of urban transformation, ensuring their voices and ideas shape the cities of tomorrow.
