Harness the energy, creativity of youth to shape sustainable and resilient urban environments

Ms Darling Maame Efua Cann, the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), says it is critical to harness the energy, creativity and innovation of young people to shape sustainable and resilient urban environments.She said over 70 per cent of the population in many cities in the global South, comprised of the youth, making their participation in urban planning decision-making crucial for creating inclusive, vibrant, and climate-resilient cities.Ms Cann who said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency regarding the celebration of the 2024 World Habitat Day (WHD), said the year's celebration which was marked on October 7, was on the theme, 'Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future'.She said the annual observance organised by the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat), aimed to spotlight the transformative potential of the youth in addressing urban challenges.Ms Efua Cann said this year's WHD emphasised th e pivotal role young people could play in designing innovative solutions to social challenges, and that their voices, often sidelined, needed to be central in discussions about sustainable development.The WHD served as a reminder that the future of the cities was in the hands of the youth, she added.'As we look ahead, it is imperative that global leaders, urban planners, and policymakers continue to prioritise youth engagement in urban development.'By doing so, we are not only investing in the future of our cities but also in the future of our planet,' she added.Ms Cann said the celebration called on all and sundry to support youth-driven initiatives that fostered sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.She said urbanisation, while offering numerous opportunities, had also presented complex challenges, including rising housing costs, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation.The Deputy PRO indicated that youth-led climate action had already proven to be a significant force globa lly, with young activists at the forefront of efforts to reduce carbon emissions, promote green infrastructure, and advance renewable energy.As urbanisation increased, these efforts must intensify, particularly in developing countries, where cities faced the dual pressures of rapid population growth and vulnerability to climate impacts.Ms Efua Cann stated that in Ghana, for instance, the Smart SDG Cities Programme was a prime example of how integrating youth voices into urban planning was yielding tangible results.She added that by focusing on green infrastructure, the programme was not only enhancing climate resilience but also improving urban mobility and accessibility.Again, youth empowerment initiatives like the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project also showcased how young people were actively contributing to social cohesion, climate resilience, and community development, she said.She stressed that with the right tools, opportunities, and platforms, young people could a nd would lead the way toward creating cities that were not only fit for the present but sustainable for generations to come.Source: Ghana News Agency