Designing for children is not only beneficial for the well-being of young people, but also for the overall success of cities. This report emphasizes the importance of a child-friendly approach to urban planning in creating healthier, more inclusive, and resilient cities. It provides 40 case studies, 14 recommended interventions, and 15 actions for city leaders, developers, investors, and built environment professionals. The report highlights that the time children spend playing outdoors, their ability to navigate independently, and their connection with nature are indicators of a city’s performance for all generations. Failure to address the needs of children can have economic and cultural consequences as families relocate. By prioritizing children’s perspectives and considering their needs in policies for transport, health, environment, arts, and culture, cities can create better outcomes for everyone and ensure that cities are fit for children to grow up in.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designing for children is better for everyone | Shift in urban planning approach | Cities are more inclusive and child-friendly | Improving quality of life for everyone |
| Children’s influence on city planning | Consideration of children’s needs in all aspects of planning | Cities prioritize next generation’s needs | Improving safety and well-being of children |
| Children can influence all aspects of cities | Recognition of children’s influence on urban improvements | Cities address the needs of children for economic and cultural impact | Creating healthier and more inclusive cities |
| Designing child-friendly cities | Integration of children’s infrastructure network in urban planning | Cities have better outcomes for all generations | Creating better cities and better outcomes for all |
| Developers listening to children’s needs | Shaping planning and urban design around the needs of children | Developments are attractive to all ages, marketing themselves as vibrant, safe, clean places | Economic benefits and improved public spaces |
| Children unify stakeholders | Consideration of children’s needs creates consensus among stakeholders | Specific measures for urban improvement more readily reached | Improving urban environments for children |
| Child-friendly principles can be applied everywhere | Integration of child-friendly principles in all aspects of urban projects | Small actions lead to big changes in the community | Creating fit cities for children and everyone |
| Children influencing transport and environment policies | Prioritizing children’s needs in transport and environment policies | Cities prioritize children’s well-being and safety | Improving safety and well-being of children |