Youth Road to the World Urban Forum Begins At World Habitat Day 2024

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18 October 2024, Queretaro. – The global observance of World Habitat Day is traditionally a popular event, but this year it broke all records with over 1,300 participants from 288 cities across 88 countries, for many of whom it was the first ever trip across the Atlantic. Held under the theme “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future,” the event was unique in putting young people at the centre of a sustainable urbanization agenda. It had a powerful message: the time for action is now.

The culmination of this year’s World Habitat Day was the adoption of the Queretaro DeclarACTION on Youth and Sustainable Urbanization. Made as a collective effort integrating the outcomes of the discussions of diverse youth and commitments of various stakeholder groups, DeclarACTION is a milestone document in reaffirming the commitment of humanity to youth that sounded very loud at the earlier convened Summit of the Future.

Let us walk you through the Queretaro DeclarACTION through the prism of which commitments to youth are confirmed there.

1. A Formal Seat at the Table

Youth involvement in decision-making has often been symbolic. The Querétaro DeclarACTION takes a strong stance on this issue by mandating meaningful participation for youth. It advocates for structured platforms like Youth Councils, Advisory Boards, and Designated Youth Representatives to ensure young people are not mere observers but active participants in shaping the future of cities. By integrating youth voices into policy formulation, urban planning, and governance, the DeclarACTION gives young people the opportunity to directly influence urban development in their communities.

2. Empowerment Through Civic Responsibility

The DeclarACTION encourages youth to see themselves as change agents, capable of leading the transformation of their communities. It emphasizes the importance of launching awareness campaigns that promote civic responsibility, encouraging youth to engage in critical areas like public transportation, water management, and waste disposal. By giving young people platforms to share innovative ideas, the DeclarACTION empowers them to take up public positions and be at the forefront of city governance​.

3. Opportunities to Address Housing and Economic Challenges

One of the most pressing challenges facing urban youth is access to adequate housing. The DeclarACTION acknowledges that adequate housing is fundamental to sustainable urban development, especially for young people in informal settlements. It highlights that housing isn’t just about shelter but is critical for accessing essential rights like education, employment, and civic participation. The document also calls for economic development that aligns with human rights, social inclusion, and environmental protection, offering youth a chance to be part of solutions that address these issues head-on.

4. Climate Action Leadership

The Querétaro DeclarACTION positions youth as central to the fight against climate change, advocating for their involvement in climate action plans and sustainable urban planning. It calls for cities to prioritize climate change education starting at an early age, equipping urban planners and public administrators with the tools to create climate-resilient cities. This creates a pathway for young people to contribute to projects like circular water economies and eco-friendly urban designs, ensuring they have a role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

5. Intergenerational Dialogue and Inclusivity

The DeclarACTION champions intergenerational dialogue as a key element in creating inclusive urban environments. It stresses the need for policies that represent the perspectives of all age groups—youth, elderly, and families alike. This inclusivity extends to marginalized groups such as people with disabilities, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing that urban spaces must be designed to cater to all, fostering a sense of belonging and community​

6. Technological and Data-Driven Solutions

Technology plays a significant role in the Querétaro DeclarACTION, with a focus on using AI and smart technologies to improve urban infrastructure. Young people are encouraged to engage in data-driven projects that assess urban sustainability, ensuring that technological solutions align with social and environmental equity. This offers youth a chance to shape the future of cities by leveraging innovative technologies for improved mobility, public transportation, and climate resilience​.

7. Cultural and Artistic Expression

Finally, the DeclarACTION recognizes the importance of culture and artistic expression in raising awareness and fostering connections between society and urban issues. Youth are encouraged to harness creative platforms to engage with their communities and address urban challenges. By integrating cultural projects into urban strategies, young people can help create vibrant, connected cities that reflect diverse identities and promote social cohesion​.



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BOX 1: Querétaro: A Model for Sustainable Urbanization

Querétaro’s hosting of World Habitat Day highlighted the city’s own urban challenges and achievements. With a rapidly growing population projected to reach 5 million by 2050, the state of Querétaro has prioritized environmental sustainability alongside economic growth. Local leaders showcased the city’s public policies focused on waste management, air quality, and ecological order, with a commitment to mitigate climate change and preserve natural ecosystems.

One of Querétaro’s standout projects is its circular water economy strategy, designed to tackle drought and water scarcity. This initiative was part of a broader discussion on how cities can develop eco-friendly solutions that prioritize sustainability. As part of the Querétaro River Restoration Project, the city aims to restore the river to its natural state, setting a precedent for urban environments in balance with nature.

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Looking Forward: The Path to World Urban Forum 2024

As the discussions drew to a close, participants left with a clear message: the work does not end here. The momentum generated by World Habitat Day and the Beyond the 2030 Agenda forum must continue as the global community prepares for the World Urban Forum in Cairo.

The call for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities is more urgent than ever. With the insights gained from Querétaro and the commitment to youth-driven action through the DeclarACTION, the future of urbanization looks promising. Now is the time to transform discussions into concrete actions that will shape the cities of tomorrow—cities that are not only sustainable but also equitable for all.

As the UN-Habitat Executive Director puts it, “This day has set the stage for continued engagement.” The journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is long, but with the collective efforts of youth, governments, and civil society, the future of urbanization holds the potential to be bright, inclusive, and sustainable.

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