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
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Map Legends
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—a network launched in 2023 and led by the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation brings together young people, cities and urban practitioners - facilitating opportunities for exchange and learning, youth-led innovation, and collaboration across borders.
10,883
young people engaged and empowered
28
youth-led initiatives incubated
7
youth innovation hubs established as centres of collaboration
500+
knowledge-sharing and advocacy events attended by S²Cities partners
How the S²Cities is making an impact
52.4%
of youth indicated they plan to participate in city planning and decision-making spaces actively
We listened to our community—students, NGOs, government officials, and other citizen stakeholders—to understand their complaints, conflicts and aspirations. We unravelled diverse interpretations for a Safe and Sound Naga, that sparked ideas for various initiatives catering to different needs.
Young Person from Naga
74%
youth reported improved ability to advocate for attention and essential services
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
91.3%
of youth reported feeling more empowered since joining S²Cities
I led activities with diverse groups in public spaces to implement our youth solution in Ambato. Opportunities like these through the S²Cities programme helped me build confidence and overcome my fear of public speaking. It also prepared me to take the stage and speak confidently in front of a large audience at the World Urban Forum 2024.
Young Person from Ambato
Data as of March 2024, based on a survey of 296 young people across the programme’s six implementation cities.
Resources and Knowledge
