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

Strengthening governance frameworks to advance the health and  well-being of young people.

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

Empower young people with voice and agency and equip them with the right digital skills to engage in governance.  

INCLUSIVE PUBLIC SPACES

Supporting local authorities to deliver public spaces that are youth-friendly, safe, accessible and inclusive

PROCESS

There are two prerequisites and six studios that make up the approach that underpins Young Gamechangers Initiative, including:

Young Gamechangers Initiative - Process

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.

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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.