World Habitat Day 2024 : Engaging youth for a sustainable urban future

This year's World Habitat Day (WHD), was marked on October 7, 2024, and it brings into focus the theme “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future.”

A call to action, it resonates deeply in a world where rapid urbanization, climate change, and social inequalities intersect.

With cities projected to house 70% of the global population by 2050, it is critical to harness the energy, creativity, and innovation of young people to shape sustainable and resilient urban environments.

The annual observance, organized by the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat), aims to spotlight the transformative potential of youth in addressing urban challenges. In many cities, especially in the global South, over 70% of the population is comprised of young people.

Their involvement in decision-making processes regarding urban planning is not only essential but a key ingredient for fostering inclusive, vibrant, and climate-resilient cities.

Youth as Drivers of Change in a Rapidly Urbanizing World

Urbanization, while offering numerous opportunities, has also presented complex challenges, including rising housing costs, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation. This year's WHD emphasizes the pivotal role young people can play in designing innovative solutions to these challenges.

Their voices, often sidelined, need to be central in discussions about sustainable development.

Youth-led climate action has already proven to be a significant force globally, with young activists at the forefront of efforts to reduce carbon emissions, promote green infrastructure, and advance renewable energy.

As we move towards a more urbanized world, these efforts must intensify, particularly in developing countries, where cities face the dual pressures of rapid population growth and vulnerability to climate impacts.

In Ghana, for instance, the Smart SDG Cities Programme is a prime example of how integrating youth voices into urban planning is yielding tangible results. By focusing on green infrastructure, the programme is not only enhancing climate resilience but also improving urban mobility and accessibility.

Furthermore, youth empowerment initiatives like the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project showcase how young people are actively contributing to social cohesion, climate resilience, and community development.

Building Inclusive and Resilient Cities

The theme of WHD 2024 underlines the need to create cities that are inclusive and resilient.

This means ensuring that urban planning and policy decisions are made with all stakeholders in mind, particularly the youth, who represent the future of these cities.

For too long, urban development has often excluded the most vulnerable populations, leaving them exposed to the adverse effects of climate change, economic instability, and social inequality.

Engaging young people in urban development is not just about inclusion but about creating cities that are equipped to withstand future shocks.

By involving youth in the planning process, we are also fostering innovation, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring that cities become places of opportunity for all.

Looking Towards the Future

World Habitat Day 2024 serves as a reminder that the future of our cities is in the hands of the youth.

As we look ahead, it is imperative that global leaders, urban planners, and policymakers continue to prioritize youth engagement in urban development. By doing so, we are not only investing in the future of our cities but also in the future of our planet.

This year’s WHD calls on all of us to support youth-driven initiatives that foster sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.

With the right tools, opportunities, and platforms, young people can and will lead the way toward creating cities that are not only fit for the present but sustainable for generations to come.

The writer is the Deputy Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) and a Staff of the Information Services Department (ISD)