FORUM: “Youth climate changemakers: Catalysing local action for urban sustainability.” World Cities Day 2024. With urban areas projected to accommodate 70% of the global population by 2050, cities face unprecedented challenges, particularly in the context of climate change. In cities worldwide, youth represent a significant demographic, with their voices and actions pivotal in shaping urban futures. It has been estimated that 60% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2030 and that as many as 60% of urban dwellers will be under the age of 18. Despite progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, urban areas continue to grapple with poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, necessitating urgent and transformative actions. In the Global South, these challenges are often more pronounced due to rapid urbanization, limited infrastructure, and insufficient resources. Cities in these regions frequently face severe housing shortages, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, and higher vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Youth in these areas are particularly affected, experiencing high levels of unemployment and limited educational opportunities. Therefore, addressing the unique needs and leveraging the potential of young people in the Global South is crucial for achieving sustainable urban development and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Engaging youth meaningfully in urban decision-making processes is essential for fostering inclusive and resilient cities. By empowering and enabling young people to participate actively, cities can tap into their creativity, innovation, and commitment to drive sustainable development. Moreover, involving youth in policymaking ensures that urban strategies reflect their aspirations and concerns, leading to more effective and equitable future. Through the Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations, the imperative is to establish frameworks that prioritize the voices of youth and future generations, ensuring their active participation in shaping sustainable urban landscapes. The Pact for the Future aims to strengthen the multilateral system to address current and future challenges, explicitly recognizing the crucial role of youth and future generations. This commitment is reflected in the Declaration on Future Generations, which seeks to safeguard the rights and interests of those yet to be born by promoting long-term, responsible decision-making. As we prepare for the Summit of the Future, these frameworks will be critical in shaping the discussions and outcomes. The Summit of the Future is an opportunity to integrate youth perspectives into global policy, ensuring that the multilateral system is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the younger generation. By adopting these frameworks at the Summit, we commit to creating pathways for young people to influence urban policies and strategies actively. This includes establishing youth councils, integrating youth representatives into local government bodies, and ensuring continuous dialogue between young people and policymakers. These actions will help build cities that are not only sustainable and resilient but also reflective of the diverse voices and needs of all their inhabitants, present and future. The 2024 World Cities Day (WCD) will be held right before the World Urban Forum 12 (WUF 12) in Cairo. This event will energize youth to engage actively in WUF 12. As part of the agenda, the Youth Forum will tackle many of these pressing challenges. The discussions and outcomes from the Youth Forum will feed directly into the declaration and outcome document of WUF 12, shaping the future cities forum and ensuring that youth perspectives are integral to urban planning and policy decisions. The objectives of this year’s observance is to Recognize the leadership of local governments and potential of youth in advancing climate and local action for cities; Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate climate action and sustainable urban developmen; Celebrate successful city projects and youth-led initiatives and contributions to urban sustainability. and to Highlight the importance of integrating youth perspectives in urban planning, policymaking, and implementation processes. As cities around the world continue to grow, they are increasingly home to a new wave of young leaders committed to addressing the pressing issues of climate change. Youth are at the forefront of local action and innovation, playing a catalytic role in shaping sustainable urban futures. This year’s celebration is a call to action for youth and local governments to work hand-in-hand to address the climate crisis. With climate change intensifying urban challenges, particularly in rapidly growing cities, this year’s observance will emphasize the power of youth to lead in urban adaptation and climate resilience. By taking the lead, today’s youth can shape their cities to be inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable for generations to come. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldCitiesDay, #31October, #UrbanOctober, #sustainableurbanfuture, #Cities.
EVENTS: On October 31st, from 08:30 AM-16:00 PM (UTC+03) at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt, the UN-Habitat invites everyone committed to urban resilience and climate action to join the Global Observance of World Cities Day, under the theme “Youth climate changemakers: Catalysing local action for urban sustainability.” This year’sevent is taking place in the historic city of Alexandria, Egypt and will highlight the leadership of young people in driving bold, transformative actions that contribute to building more sustainable and climate-resilient cities. The celebration will bring together leaders of sovereign wealth funds, development finance institutions, private sector and governments to focus on the World Cities Day 2024 theme. During the Global Observance, participants will engage in high-level discussions, youth panels, and dialogues that explore innovative solutions for building resilient urban spaces. The event will also feature the prestigious Shanghai Award presentation, recognizing outstanding urban initiatives that support sustainable development. Watch the livestream!
10:00 – 10:45: Welcome Notes of World Cities Day 2024 Youth climate changemakers
10:50 – 12:00: High-level Ministerial Panel for Youth Climate Change Makers: Different Perspectives
12:00 – 12:30: Shanghai Award and Shanghai Manual presentation
13:30 – 14:30: Youth panel discussion on climate and cities (Youth on the Front Lines: Leading Climate Change in Cities)
14:30 – 15:30: Public-Private Sectors Dialogue (Public-private dialogue: Sustainable Investments for Climate Resilience)
15:30 – 15:50: A joint presentation and closing remarks for the day - World Cities Day 2024
To Participate Get the concept note, the Information for the participants; Register to attend the Global Observance at events.unhabitat.org, Download the programme. Please feel free to contact us on our email address: unhabitat-wcd@un.org.
PUBLICATIONS: Get the Urban October Toolkit 2024 and Explore the Journals of Urban Policy, Planning and Development.
Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Cities Day 2024; October 31st.
On this World Cities Day, we recognize the role of young people in driving climate action and shaping urban futures. With more than half of the world’s population and 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, cities are at the forefront of the climate crisis. And they need the energy and vision of youth leading the charge for change.
From grassroots movements to innovation labs, young people are pushing for ambitious climate action. They are championing renewable energy integration, green jobs, clean public transportation, and climate adaptation measures – contributing to shape sustainable cities where everyone can thrive.
We must amplify their voices, invest in their ideas, and promote their meaningful participation in urban decision-making. By empowering young people, we can accelerate climate action and drive global progress for the Sustainable Development Goals.
As we mark World Cities Day, let us celebrate the power of youth to build green, resilient and inclusive cities that meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.
António Guterres
Message of the UN-Habitat Executive Director on World Cities Day 2024; October 31st.
Youth climate changemakers: Catalysing local action
for urban sustainability
Our house is on fire, and inaction is making it worse for both people and the planet.
Young people like Greta Thunberg and other activists worldwide are mobilizing in
communities across the globe. They are proving that age is no barrier to making a lasting
impact. The young generation is determined to do everything in their power to create a
better future for all.
This World Cities Day, we are celebrating you – the young leaders, bold advocates, and
changemakers driving the climate action we urgently need. You are the face and energy
of our cities and towns.
World Cities Day was established to reflect on the state of our cities. Today, however, the
youth are calling for action, not just reflection.
This year’s theme, “Youth climate changemakers: Catalysing local action for urban
sustainability”, invites young people to lead the charge.
By 2050, cities are expected to house 70 per cent of the global population, and youth
represent a significant share of the urban population. That’s why your voices and actions
have never been more critical. From housing and clean water to renewable energy and
disaster resilience, local climate action must become a reality.
In the Global South, where the impacts of climate change are often most severe, young people are already leading. These are real stories of hope and transformation, driven by
youth.
On this World Cities Day, we invite you to lead, share your ideas, and take bold action.
Together, we can create cities that are not just liveable but resilient, equitable, and
sustainable.
The time is now. Let’s shape the cities we want to live in – together.
LIVESTREAM
Shanghai Award and Shanghai Manual presentation
Public-Private Sectors Dialogue (Public-private dialogue: Sustainable Investments for Climate Resilience)
A joint presentation and closing remarks for the day - World Cities Day 2024.
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