Event Information

Cities are projected to house 70% of the world's population by 2050, facing unprecedented challenges in the context of climate change. By 2030, an estimated 60% of people will live in urban areas, with up to 60% of urban dwellers under 18. Despite progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, cities, particularly in the Global South, continue to grapple with poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, necessitating urgent action.

Experts emphasize the importance of involving youth in urban decision-making to harness their creativity and drive sustainable development. World Cities Day 2024, themed "Youth climate changemakers: Catalyzing local action for urban sustainability," aims to showcase the crucial role of local governments and young people in addressing urban climate challenges. The event will highlight youth-proposed innovative ideas and explore ways to transform these into concrete actions.

International initiatives like the Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations seek to prioritize youth voices in shaping sustainable urban environments. The Summit of the Future was an opportunity to integrate youth perspectives into global policy and ensure the multilateral system responds to younger generations' needs.

Proposed actions include establishing youth councils, integrating youth representatives into local governments, and maintaining ongoing dialogue between young people and policymakers. These efforts aim to create cities that are not only sustainable and resilient but also reflective of all inhabitants' diverse voices and needs, both present and future.