For young people to thrive, urban environments need to be just, inclusive, and safe. They need to have adequate and accessible public spaces that stimulate positive social interactions and well-being. And young people should have a say in shaping these urban environments and experiences.
By supporting innovative youth-led placemaking initiatives, embedding youth participation in urban decision-making systems, and bringing together local governments, civil society, business, and community actors to spark systems-level change, the S²Cities Programme creates space for young people to lead —and for their voices to shape the cities of tomorrow.
Learn more about the programme and its approach here.
Youth Innovation in Action
From strengthening mental health services and making public spaces safer to upgrading mobility infrastructure and advancing environmental sustainability, explore the youth-led initiatives emerging from the programme—and see how young people are co-creating bold, imaginative solutions to urban safety challenges.
A Growing Network of Youth-Powered Change
A Growing Network of Youth-Powered Change
A Growing Network of Youth-Powered Change
A Growing Network of Youth-Powered Change
A Growing Network of Youth-Powered Change
A Growing Network of Youth-Powered Change
A Growing Network of Youth-Powered Change
A Growing Network of Youth-Powered Change
A Growing Network of Youth-Powered Change
Colombia
Bello
Barbarosa
Cali
Medellín
Barranquilla
Itagüí
Pasto
Argentina
Santa Fé de la Vera Cruz
Brazil
Salvador
Cameroon
Isangele
Kenya
Siaya
Indonesia
Medan
Serang City
Palembang
Yogyakarta
Bogor
Mongolia
Darkhan
The Philippines
Del Carmel
Amulung
Cagayan de Oro
San Jose del Monte
Basel, Switzerland
Joined 2025
Read more
Cartagena, Colombia
Joined 2025
Read more
Colombia
Argentina
Brazil
Cameroon
Kenya
Indonesia
Mongolia
The Philippines
Basel, Switzerland
Joined 2025
Cartagena, Colombia
Joined 2025
Ambato, Ecuador
Joined 2023
2 youth-led initiatives incubated
2 youth-led initiatives incubated
Cuenca, Ecuador
Joined 2023
2 youth-led initiatives incubated
2 youth-led initiatives incubated
Baguio, The Philippines
Joined 2023
4 youth-led initiatives incubated
4 youth-led initiatives incubated
Naga, The Philippines
Joined 2023
3 youth-led initiatives incubated
3 youth-led initiatives incubated
Envigado, Colombia
Joined 2021
12 youth-led initiatives incubated
12 youth-led initiatives incubated
Bandung, Indonesia
Joined in 2021
5 youth-led initiatives incubated
5 youth-led initiatives incubated
Map Legends
Programme Cities
Global Learning Network Cities
The programme is demonstrating meaningful change across 8 vibrant intermediary cities worldwide in partnership with local actors and young people.
Learning from these cities fuels the S²Cities Global Learning Network — launched in 2023 and led by the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation — bringing together young people, cities and urban practitioners to facilitate exchange and learning, youth-led innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
10,883
young people engaged and empowered
7
youth innovation hubs established as centres of collaboration
500+
knowledge-sharing and advocacy events attended by S²Cities partners
How S²Cities is making an impact
79.7%
of youth participants report their lives feel safer
Fear once kept me from walking freely in my city. But through this initiative, I found the courage to claim my space, both literally and figuratively, and inspire others to do the same.
Young Person from Cuenca, Ecuador
72.7%
of youth participants felt more empowered to improve the safety of their urban environment
Participating in S²Cities gave me invaluable exposure and deeper insight into complex urban issues. Engaging in discussions allowed me to actively learn and contribute to addressing these challenges, including exploring how budget allocations for various city services directly impact young people.
Young Person from Bandung, Indonesia
84.9%
of youth participants reported enhanced personal agency and sense of belonging in their city
Before, I thought change was only possible if it came from the Municipality. Now I know we can start that change ourselves — and they’re listening.
Young Person from Ambato, Ecuador
65%
of city stakeholders involved in the programme demonstrate increased trust and willingness to engage young people in decision-making
I have seen young people evolve from participants into true changemakers. At first, many were hesitant to share their ideas in public forums, but now they actively engage with us and confidently advocate for their initiatives. I am hopeful that this growing leadership will continue to shape an even more transformative future for the city.
Public Sector Representative from Baguio, The Philippines
68%
of citywide community members report feeling safer in public spaces improved through youth-led initiatives
Before, I saw everything as normal, but after talking to the girls and hearing their perspectives on safety, I realised how important it is to address these issues.
Youth participant in Cuenca, Ecuador
15
youth-led initiatives incubated in the programme have been scaled up
It is inspiring to see that platforms for the youth's ideas to be seen, heard, and realised continue to expand. Our experience from the Safe and Sound Cities Programme is now being replicated by the SK and hopefully, further support will be generated to empower our young people of Baguio.
Young Person from Baguio, The Philippines
Data as of March 2024, based on a survey of 296 young people across the programme’s six implementation cities.
Resources and Knowledge
