TEHRAN –It is estimated that 60 percent of the world population will live in urban areas by 2030, and up to 60 percent of them will be individuals under the age of 18.

With rapid urbanization and population growth, cities are projected to house 70 percent of the people by 2050, facing intensifying challenges in the context of climate change. 

Despite progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, cities, particularly in the Global South, continue to grapple with poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, necessitating urgent action.

Experts have emphasized engaging youth in urban decision-making to harness their creativity and drive sustainable development.

Observed annually on October 31, World Cities Day aims to promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities addressing challenges of urbanization, and contribute to sustainable urban development around the world.

World Cities Day 2024, themed “Youth changemakers: Catalyzing local action for urban sustainability,” showcases the crucial role of local governments and young people in addressing urban climate challenges.

The event highlights youth-proposed innovative ideas and explores ways to transform these into concrete actions.

International initiatives like the Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations seek to prioritize youth voices in shaping sustainable urban environments. 

The Summit of the Future was an opportunity to integrate youth perspectives into global policy and ensure the multilateral system responds to younger generations’ needs.

Proposed actions include establishing youth councils, integrating youth representatives into local governments, and maintaining an ongoing dialogue between young people and policymakers.

These efforts aim to create cities that are not only sustainable and resilient but also reflective of all inhabitants’ diverse voices and needs, both present and future.