2 September 2024, Nairobi. – In celebration of International Youth Day 2024, under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” various youth-led and youth-focused initiatives under UN-Habitat have emerged as powerful examples of how digital tools can enhance participatory urban planning. These initiatives focus on empowering young people to shape sustainable cities, particularly in marginalized communities. The following three programs—Young Gamechangers Initiative (YGI), Block by Block, and Her City Toolbox—illustrate the innovative and transformative role of digital technologies in creating inclusive urban environments.
Young Gamechangers Initiative (YGI)
The Young Gamechangers Initiative (YGI) is a global project led by UN-Habitat, launched in 2023. It is active in Colombia, Senegal, and India, among other regions, with the goal of addressing climate adaptation and resilience through participatory urban planning. This initiative leverages digital technology to empower youth to take ownership of their local environments, guiding cities on the “Regional Resilience Journey.” By focusing on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), the YGI utilizes digital tools such as mobile apps and virtual platforms to increase youth engagement in policy and decision-making processes related to urban design.
Block by Block Initiative
Since 2012, the Block by Block Initiative has been transforming urban spaces by engaging youth in urban planning through Minecraft, a digital game platform. This innovative approach allows young participants to visualize and design public spaces, making urban development accessible to all, regardless of technical expertise. By simplifying urban design processes and making them more inclusive, Block by Block has enabled communities across 55 countries to co-create over 180 public spaces. This initiative stands as a testament to how digital games can empower youth to address SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering inclusive, participatory design processes.
Her City Toolbox
Launched in 2021, the Her City Toolbox is a digital platform that prioritizes the voices of young women and girls in urban planning. With a focus on inclusivity and gender equity, Her City offers a step-by-step methodology to co-design public spaces, making them safer and more accessible for all. This project spans across 25 countries and has empowered over 80,000 people through participatory workshops. By integrating digital tools like the open-source Her City platform, the initiative has directly impacted 350 independent projects globally, promoting SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The digital platform also allows stakeholders from across sectors to collaborate effectively, ensuring that urban spaces are shaped to meet the diverse needs of the entire community.
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These three initiatives highlight the transformative potential of digital tools in fostering inclusive, youth-driven urban planning. By empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their cities, these programs contribute not only to the realization of SDG 11 but also to the broader goals of sustainable development, equity, and innovation. Through digital platforms and participatory approaches, the youth of today are not just shaping their own futures but are laying the groundwork for more resilient and inclusive cities globally.
