World Cities Day, acknowledged and commenced by the United Nations, is commemorated annually on 31 October to highlight and advocate for sustainable urban development across the globe.
With over half of the world’s population now inhabiting cities, urban areas have become particularly appealing to the youth, drawn by abundant educational and career prospects alongside rich social and cultural opportunities. The theme for World Cities Day 2024 is significantly focused on the indispensable role that youth-led initiatives play in addressing urban challenges while empowering young individuals as catalysts for change.
Empowering youth within urban settings is intricately linked to the enhancement of urban health. When municipalities prioritize health-centric urban policies, they foster environments where young individuals can thrive both physically and mentally. Healthier urban zones empower the youth to become proactive change-makers, initiating transformative programs crucial for a sustainable future.
In a supportive move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a suite of innovative tools crafted to elevate urban health outcomes. These resources aim to assist local authorities in formulating health strategies and policies that serve the needs of all city residents, particularly the younger demographic.
Youth health and well-being necessitate multifaceted collaboration among various sectors and stakeholders. In acknowledgment of these complexities, WHO is excited to introduce a Urban Health Capacities Assessment and Response Resource Kit. This comprehensive kit enables cities to perform self-assessments of the essential capacities needed for integrated policy-making focused on their priority health challenges. Accompanied by a foundational self-assessment primer, an actionable guide with detailed instructions, and training videos, the kit showcases real-world examples from diverse cities that have successfully implemented self-assessments to enhance their urban health policies. It underscores the critical importance of connectivity and collaboration in urban health practices, facilitating the creation of holistic public health strategies.
A new report released today demonstrates how a group of 20 cities piloted innovative indicators aimed at tackling pressing public health issues. Their insights shed light on the accessibility and effectiveness of these indicators across a wide array of countries and settings, revealing the unique challenges cities face while addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries, which remain a leading global health concern.
Finally, in collaboration with regional healthy cities networks, WHO continues to empower cities and communities to establish health-promoting environments and conditions. These networks are dedicated to fostering good local governance for health and wellbeing, emphasizing the integration of health priorities across all policies, intersectoral cooperation, and active community engagement. Through youth participation in governance, cities can ensure that the voices and aspirations of young individuals are acknowledged, ultimately fostering trust and promoting social inclusion.
**Interview with Dr. Maria Sanchez, Urban Health Advocate and Youth Empowerment Specialist, on World Cities Day 2024**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sanchez! As we approach World Cities Day on October 31, can you tell us a little bit about the significance of this day, particularly in relation to youth in urban environments?
**Dr. Sanchez:** Thank you for having me! World Cities Day is essential because it shines a spotlight on sustainable urban development, especially needed as more than half of the population now lives in cities. This year’s theme emphasizes the role of youth-led initiatives in tackling urban challenges. Young people are not only the future; they are also key players in making our cities more sustainable and inclusive today.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that youth engagement is pivotal. What specific urban challenges do you see young leaders addressing, and how can communities support these efforts?
**Dr. Sanchez:** Young leaders are tackling a variety of issues, from climate change and public health to social inequality. They are using innovation and digital tools to address these challenges. Communities can support them through mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and fostering environments that allow for creativity and collaboration. By empowering youth, we not only enhance their ability to contribute but also improve the overall health and vitality of urban spaces.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned urban health as a critical factor. How does prioritizing health in urban policy impact youth empowerment?
**Dr. Sanchez:** Urban health is foundational for youth well-being. When cities prioritize health-centric policies, they create environments where young people can thrive. This includes access to green spaces, recreational facilities, and mental health resources. Such conditions not only promote healthier lifestyles but also inspire youth to take leadership roles in their communities, advocating for change and driving sustainable solutions.
**Interviewer:** The World Health Organization has launched innovative tools to enhance urban health outcomes. What role do these tools play in supporting youth initiatives?
**Dr. Sanchez:** These tools provide local authorities with data and strategies to improve health outcomes for all residents, with a focus on youth. By empowering local governments with actionable insights, young leaders can harness this information to advocate for the changes their communities need. It creates a data-driven approach to urban health, allowing youth to effectively engage in policy-making processes.
**Interviewer:** what message do you hope to convey to the youth on this World Cities Day?
**Dr. Sanchez:** I want young people to know that their voices matter and they have the power to enact change. As we celebrate World Cities Day, let’s embrace the potential of youth-led initiatives. Together, we can forge healthier, more sustainable cities for everyone. Engage, innovate, and remember: you are the catalysts for change.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sanchez, for your insightful thoughts and for highlighting the importance of youth in urban development. We look forward to celebrating World Cities Day with a focus on the youth’s role in shaping our cities.
