Daniela Gutierrez
Moderator
The "Advancing Caring Cities" session brings together experts in active mobility and human-centered cities. Attendees will gain insights into the transformative power of child-friendly urban planning and the tangible benefits of cycling.
Why children? Half of the world's urban population consists of children, while the remaining half often bear responsibility for their care. Extensive research underscores the profound influence of a child's environment on their development, with children being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Even in high-income countries, children are facing escalating risks from air pollution, diseases, and extreme weather events.
Scholars highlight children as 'indicator species,' symbolizing the vitality of human habitats. Social, cultural, and economic factors shape a city's health, including mobility, access to food, infrastructure, housing, and education. And in this sense, mobility determines access to these essentials.
Why cycling? Cycling emerges as a vital, accessible, and urgent solution for cities striving to create cleaner, healthier, and safer urban environments for all. Just and sustainable urban transitions necessitate placing those with the greatest needs—such as children and their families—at the forefront of mobility discussions to harness the social, environmental, and health advantages of active travel.
Why cities of ‘care’? Putting vulnerable populations at the center of urban conversations and decisions means creating cities of care and empathy that take into account the diversity of experiences, needs and desires of everyone. In this sense, a caring city designed with children in mind not only ensures their own safety but also benefits other vulnerable groups and the wider population.
Cities worldwide are already making strides in this direction, and we aim to celebrate their achievements and exchange important lessons. Join us for a dynamic networking and panel session as we delve into the critical theme of creating cities that prioritize the well-being and safety of our youngest citizens through active mobility.
The "Advancing Caring Cities" session brings together representatives from pioneering places, alongside urban planners and experts in active mobility and human-centered cities. Through engaging discussions we'll explore innovative local strategies for fostering active mobility, promoting public health, and advancing equity within diverse urban landscapes. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the transformative power of child-friendly urban planning and the tangible benefits of cycling for this matter.
Finally, the event will feature a special presentation of the Children's Cycling Manifesto — a passionate call to action crafted by local children advocating for safer and more inclusive urban environments.
(1) Foster Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration: Provide a platform for city representatives, urban planners, and experts in active mobility to share successful strategies, best practices, and innovative approaches in creating child-friendly cities. Encourage participants to engage in open dialogue, exchange ideas, and forge collaborations that can drive positive change.
(2) Raise Awareness and Advocate for Child-Centered Urban Planning: Raise awareness among stakeholders about the importance of prioritizing children's needs in urban planning processes. Through presentations, case studies, and discussions, highlight the significant role that child-friendly urban design plays in promoting public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Advocate for the integration of child-friendly principles into urban policies and development agendas at local, national, and global levels.
(3) Empower Youth Voices and Participation: Empower children and youth to actively participate in shaping their urban environments by amplifying their voices and perspectives. Showcase the Children's Cycling Manifesto as a tangible example of youth-led advocacy for safer and more inclusive cities. Facilitate meaningful interactions between young participants and decision-makers. Encourage participants to join the "kidical mass" ride as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and commitment to prioritizing children's well-being in urban planning initiatives.