Cities across the world are being urged to rethink urban design with children at the centre, as a new global guide highlights the urgent need for safer, inclusive, and accessible public spaces.
The report by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and UN-Habitat stresses that designing cities for children ultimately benefits everyone.
Public spaces shape childhood development
Experts emphasise that public spaces are not just recreational areas but essential for a child’s physical, emotional, and social growth. Access to parks, streets, and open areas enables children to play, explore, and build relationships.
However, the report notes that less than half of urban residents globally have access to nearby public spaces, with the situation significantly worse in low-income regions.
Beyond parks: redefining public space
The guide expands the idea of public space beyond traditional parks and playgrounds. Streets, schoolyards, markets, and even small unused plots can serve as valuable play areas.
This approach is particularly important in densely populated or under-resourced neighbourhoods, where formal recreational spaces are limited.
Urban inequality and safety concerns
A key challenge identified is inequality. Well-developed neighbourhoods often have better infrastructure, while poorer areas lack safe spaces for children.
Safety concerns such as heavy traffic, poor lighting, and unsafe environments further restrict children’s mobility. Social barriers, including exclusion and harassment, disproportionately affect girls and vulnerable groups.
Environmental factors such as pollution and extreme heat also pose risks, reinforcing the need for greener and healthier urban spaces.
Practical solutions for immediate impact
The report outlines simple yet effective measures cities can adopt, including traffic calming zones, safer school routes, improved lighting, and opening school grounds for community use after hours.
Transforming unused land into small parks and involving local communities—especially children—in planning are also highlighted as key strategies.
Building cities for everyone
Urban planners and policymakers are encouraged to prioritise child-friendly designs and invest in underserved areas. Successful examples from around the world demonstrate that even small interventions can significantly improve quality of life.
The report concludes that creating cities that work for children is not just an ideal but a necessity—one that leads to healthier, more inclusive, and resilient urban environments for all.