As the world marks World Habitat Day (WHD) 2024, experts have emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping a sustainable urban future.
With over 200 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa living in slums, the theme for this year’s celebration, “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future,” highlights the need to empower young people in the face of rapid urbanization.
Human settlement experts in Nigeria are using the occasion to advocate for policies and frameworks that will integrate youth into urban planning and development. Speaking on the theme, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Mr. Nathaniel Atebije, noted that youth involvement is essential for ensuring the success of sustainable urban policies. He emphasized that the generational gap between older and younger populations must be bridged for effective knowledge transfer in creating better urban spaces.
Atebije explained, “Life on earth is a continuum, and one generation must pass knowledge, technology, and culture to the next. Sustainable development can only be achieved if there is meaningful interaction between these generations, allowing the youth to shape a better urban future.”
He stressed the importance of educating young people in urban planning, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and sustainability. He urged for the creation of mentorship opportunities and youth-centered policies that would promote active participation in local governance, community-based projects, and decision-making processes.
Dr. Moses Ogunleye, past President of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), reiterated the importance of youth leadership in urban issues such as environmental resource conservation, urban security, and climate change adaptation. He stated that the energy and innovative ideas of young people are vital resources that should be harnessed for the development of urban policies, regulations, and programs.
The NITP’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. David Olawale, echoed these sentiments, urging for participatory development processes where young people can turn urban challenges into opportunities. He called for youth to be involved in urban renewal projects, saying their fresh perspectives are key to building resilient cities that can withstand global changes.
In a related message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres advocated for youth inclusion in decision-making processes, stating that young people are pivotal to creating a more equitable and sustainable future. “We must invest in education, digital skills, and youth-led initiatives on climate action, affordable housing, and sustainable mobility,” Guterres said.
With urban populations projected to increase by 2.5 billion by 2050, experts are calling for urgent action to engage young people in shaping a sustainable urban future. As WHD kicks off Urban October, it provides a platform for discussing innovative solutions and encouraging greater youth participation in building inclusive, resilient cities.