10 October 2024, Queretaro. – This year’s World Habitat Day marked a historic milestone, drawing over 1,300 participants from 288 cities in 88 countries. Held under the theme “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future,” the event spotlighted the critical role of young people in shaping sustainable urbanization. The culmination of this gathering was the adoption of the Queretaro DeclarACTION on Youth and Sustainable Urbanization, a roadmap for global and local urban youth action aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda.
The DeclarACTION integrates the outcomes of diverse youth discussions and pledges from stakeholders, ensuring young people have meaningful opportunities to shape the urban future.
Key Commitments of the Queretaro DeclarACTION
- Youth at the Decision-Making Table
Meaningful youth participation is emphasized through structures like Youth Councils and Advisory Boards, ensuring young people influence urban policies and planning, rather than being passive observers .
- Economic Development and Adequate Housing
The DeclarACTION calls for economic strategies aligned with social inclusion and the provision of adequate housing—vital for young people, especially in informal settlements, as a foundation for accessing education, employment, and civic participation .
- Climate Action and Sustainability
Young people are positioned as leaders in climate action, contributing to circular water economies, sustainable urban planning, and nature-based solutions to create climate-resilient cities .
- Intergenerational Dialogue and Inclusivity
The DeclarACTION underscores the importance of dialogue across generations and the inclusion of marginalized groups to ensure policies reflect diverse perspectives, fostering a sense of belonging .
- Cultural and Artistic Engagement
The DeclarACTION highlights the role of culture and artistic expression, emphasizing indigenous and marginalized youth voices. Performances by Emma Stevens, Carter Chiasson, and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal showcased how diverse traditions and personal stories can inspire sustainable urban solutions and connect communities to environmental challenges.
Looking Ahead: From Queretaro to Alexandria and Beyond
World Habitat Day in Querétaro set the stage for World Cities Day 2024, celebrated on October 31 in Alexandria, Egypt, under the theme “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalyzing Local Action for Urban Sustainability.” This event emphasized the pivotal role of young people and local governments in addressing urban challenges, particularly in the context of climate change. Alexandria hosted discussions celebrating youth-led initiatives and exploring strategies to embed their ideas into urban policies .
These efforts converged at the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, ensuring youth perspectives remained central to discussions about the future of urban sustainability. The Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations provide a framework to elevate youth voices, shaping a multilateral system responsive to the aspirations of younger generations.
Urban October: A Month of Action
Urban October, beginning with World Habitat Day and culminating in World Cities Day, highlighted the transformative potential of youth engagement. Initiatives such as the Young Gamechangers Initiative and Youth 2030 Cities, and the commitments of the Queretaro DeclarACTION provided a strong foundation for addressing critical urban challenges, from housing and inclusivity to climate resilience and sustainability.
