16 August 2024, Nairobi. – The Global DeclarACTION on Youth and Sustainable Urbanization is an initiative spearheaded by young people worldwide, aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of urbanization through the lens of sustainability and youth empowerment. This DeclarACTION is not just a document; it is a living commitment that evolves as youth continue to engage with global urban issues, making it a dynamic and responsive blueprint for action.
The next generation DeclarACTION is currently being drafted and will be adopted at the 12th Session of the World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt, on the 4th of November this year. Submit your input below!
The roots of the Global DeclarACTION can be traced back to the Youth 2030 Cities program, a UN-Habitat initiative that empowers young people to actively participate in the creation of sustainable cities. This initiative is deeply intertwined with the broader goal of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
At its core, the DeclarACTION is a collective declaration made by youth representatives from around the world, asserting their right to the city and their intention to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels—local, national, and international—to ensure the meaningful inclusion of youth in urban development.
The first iteration of this DeclarACTION was presented at the 11th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Katowice, Poland, in 2022, marking a significant step in youth-led urban advocacy.
Why the DeclarACTION Matters
Youth Empowerment and Inclusion
The DeclarACTION is a critical tool for ensuring that young voices are not just heard but actively involved in shaping the cities of the future. In a world where more than half of the population is under 30, the involvement of youth in urban planning and policy-making is essential for creating cities that are not only sustainable but also inclusive and reflective of the needs of all residents.
Addressing Pressing Urban Challenges
The issues highlighted in the DeclarACTION—such as environmental degradation, economic opportunities, gender equality, and urban safety—are some of the most urgent challenges facing cities today. By focusing on these areas, the DeclarACTION mobilizes youth to take concrete actions that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly in urban environments.
A Global-Local Connection
The DeclarACTION serves as a bridge between global goals and local actions. It is shaped by youth experiences from diverse contexts, ranging from the bustling cities of Colombia and India to the smaller communities in Senegal and Vietnam. This global-local approach ensures that the solutions proposed are not only innovative but also grounded in the realities of different urban contexts.
Accountability and Continuous Engagement
The DeclarACTION is designed to be a “living” document, meaning it is continuously updated and refined based on ongoing youth input and the evolving urban landscape. This makes it a unique tool for accountability, ensuring that youth commitments are tracked and that there is a clear roadmap for action.
A Call to Action for All Stakeholders
Beyond youth, the DeclarACTION calls on national governments, local authorities, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in creating sustainable urban environments. It emphasizes the need for a united effort to achieve the SDGs, recognizing that the challenges of urbanization cannot be tackled in isolation
The Way Forward
As we look toward the future, the importance of the Global DeclarACTION cannot be overstated. It represents not just a commitment from youth, but a challenge to the world: to listen to young people, to value their contributions, and to work together to create cities that are sustainable, inclusive, and just.
The upcoming sessions of the World Urban Forum and other global platforms will continue to serve as critical spaces for advancing these goals. With each iteration, the DeclarACTION will evolve, reflecting new insights and expanding its impact as more young people join the movement. Through this ongoing process, the DeclarACTION will remain a vital tool for achieving the urban future we all aspire to.
In essence, the Global DeclarACTION is a beacon of hope, a roadmap for action, and a testament to the power of youth in driving sustainable urban transformation. It is not just important—it is indispensable for the future of our cities and our planet.
