Commentary
A clear direction, a renewed identity
How can Fondation Botnar contribute to lasting change in young people’s lives?
Young Gamechangers Initiative (YGI)
Initiative
Through Young Gamechangers Initiative, young people use digital tools to take part in urban planning and shape healthier, safer and more inclusive public spaces
The YGI involves young people in urban governance and the design of inclusive public spaces. Led by UN-Habitat in collaboration with the World Health Organization and Block by Block Foundation, it works with young people, local governments and other city actors in Colombia, India and Senegal. Using digital participatory tools, including Minecraft, young people explore their cities, identify priorities and develop ideas and visions for healthier, safer and more inclusive public urban spaces.
- Partner
- UN-Habitat (lead), the World Health Organisation, the Block by Block Foundation
- Working in
- Colombia, India, Senegal
- Approach
- Participatory urban design using Minecraft and other digital tools
- Focus
- Youth participation in urban governance and inclusive public spaces
- Programme launch
- 2022
Challenge
Young people need a meaningful role in shaping their cities
By 2030, young people are projected to make up 60% of the world's urban population. Yet despite being the largest generation in history, they are routinely left out of the decisions that shape the places they live. Their rights to representation and participation go unmet, and they rarely have the opportunity, or the tools, to influence the systems around them. Traditional planning can feel closed and remote to young people, missing both their ideas and the digital ways in which they usually express themselves. The result is cities designed without the people who will inherit them.
Young people are working with local authorities to bring their perspectives into urban planning across three intermediary cities in Colombia, India and Senegal.
Approach
Digital tools for participatory urban planning
YGI combines digital tools with hands-on participation in urban planning. Young people build skills in areas such as data collection, mapping and public space design, and use tools, including Minecraft, to develop and visualise their ideas and visions for healthier, more inclusive urban spaces. Across three cities in Colombia, India and Senegal, it brings young people together with municipalities, non-profit organisations and researchers. The programme also explores how these approaches can strengthen young people’s participation in urban governance.
