16 October 2024, Nairobi. – We’ve finished the Global Minecraft Challenge: Public Space Edition, and it was awesome! Youth from all over the world jumped in to design cool public spaces and shared their thoughts on how cities can better serve their communities. Now, we’re here to spill the tea on what young people really think about public spaces, what they want to see changed, and the amazing ideas they brought to life in Minecraft.
Here’s what we found out—broken down by region—straight from the creative minds of young participants!
- Latin America: Equality and Better Public Spaces
Main Concerns:
- Lack of public amenities (like benches, bathrooms, etc.)
- Spaces falling apart or not maintained
- Pollution and poor sanitation
- Security concerns and social inequality
Takeaway: Latin American youth are passionate about improving basic services and fixing up run-down public spaces. They also want safer areas where everyone feels equal. Their designs show how cities can help bring people together and make public spaces fair for all.
- North America: Community and Opportunities for All
Main Concerns:
- Lack of accessible services and social inequality
- Weak sense of community
- Limited job and education opportunities
Takeaway: North American youth are all about creating spaces where everyone has access to the same opportunities. They want public spaces to be more inclusive, bringing people together to build stronger communities that also help with education and jobs. It’s not just about places to hang out—it’s about places where people can thrive!
- Africa: Bringing Communities and Public Spaces to Life
Main Concerns:
- Missing public amenities (this was the biggest issue here!)
- Lack of community vibe
- Pollution and bad sanitation
- Mental health struggles
Takeaway: African youth are dreaming of spaces that aren’t just built well but also help their communities come together. They’re asking for better public facilities, cleaner environments, and places that support mental health. They know that public spaces should be more than just parks—they should be places that bring people closer and support their well-being.
- Asia: Tackling Overcrowding and Pollution
Main Concerns:
- Pollution and bad sanitation
- Overcrowded spaces and lack of public amenities
- Not enough access to education and job opportunities
Takeaway: In Asia, young people are worried about crowded and polluted public spaces, and they want to see cities cleaned up. They also believe that public spaces should offer more chances for education and jobs, helping their communities grow. It’s clear they’re looking for cities that aren’t just green but also smart, creating spaces where people can learn and grow.
- Europe: Prioritizing Safety and Health
Main Concerns:
- Safety and security
- Lack of public amenities and places to gather
- Inactivity and poor physical health
Takeaway: European youth are focused on making public spaces safer and healthier. They want more places that encourage physical activity and help people stay healthy. From parks to gyms, they’re looking for spaces that boost both safety and well-being, making cities places where everyone can feel good.
- Middle East-North Africa: Revamping and Greening Public Spaces
Main Concerns:
- Public spaces are not well taken care of
- Lack of greenery and underused spaces
Takeaway: In the MENA region, youth are pushing for better-maintained public spaces that are full of greenery. They want to make the most of what’s already there and turn empty or rundown areas into vibrant places where people can hang out and connect with nature. Their ideas show how public spaces can be both beautiful and useful.
Big Lessons from the Challenge:
- Shared Concerns: No matter where they’re from, young people agree on a few key things—cities need more public amenities, cleaner spaces, and better social equality. These are global issues, and it’s clear that young people want change!
- Regional Differences: While the big themes are the same, each region has its own focus. For example, Latin America focuses a lot on social inequality, while Asia is more concerned with overcrowding and pollution. These local challenges show that cities need solutions tailored to their specific needs.
- Health and Safety Matter: Both physical and mental health came up a lot, especially in Africa and Europe. Whether it’s cleaner environments or more places to exercise, young people want public spaces that help them feel safe and healthy.
The Big Picture:
Young people aren’t just thinking about parks and benches—they’re imagining public spaces that bring communities together, offer opportunities for growth, and make cities safer and more inclusive. Whether it’s tackling pollution in Asia or bringing more greenery to the Middle East, youth everywhere are speaking up and showing how public spaces can transform urban life.
The Global Minecraft Challenge gave us a peek into the future of public spaces, and the message is clear: youth are ready to create cities that are inclusive, healthy, and full of opportunities for everyone.
Stay tuned for more amazing ideas from the world’s young urban designers—we’re just getting started!
