Cities for Youth- Digital Tools and Youth Leadership for Urban Wellbeing

In the ever-evolving landscape of urban development, the integration of digital tools and innovative leadership holds immense potential to shape the future of cities. Among the key stakeholders in this transformation are the youth, who represent not only the future inhabitants but also the driving force behind technological advancements and social change. This event will bring together a panel to delve into the crucial dialogue of leveraging technology to address urban challenges, citing examples that promote participatory planning processes, provide access to essential services and enabling young people to actively engage in decision-making regarding their communities and cities. The panel would focus on the importance of fostering digital literacy and empowerment among marginalized young people, especially young women and building strong networks to amplify youth voices in urban governance.
Key themes to be discussed in the panel at the intersection of digital technology, youth empowerment, and urban wellbeing:
• Digital Divide and Accessibility: Persistent digital divide that disproportionately affects young women from marginalized communities, exacerbating existing inequalities. Bridging this gap requires concerted efforts to expand internet access, improve digital literacy, and make technology more inclusive and accessible to all. There is a need for accessible training programs and resources to ensure that all young people can harness the potential of digital tools for social change.
• Youth Empowerment and Innovation: Young people are positioned as active agents of change, capable of driving innovation and catalyzing positive transformation in their communities. Empowering young people with the necessary skills, resources, and support networks is essential for unlocking their full potential as urban leaders and changemakers. There is a huge potential for youth driving localized solutions that promote sustainable mobility, community engagement, and access to essential services.
• Inclusive Governance and Participation: Inclusive decision-making processes that actively involve youth in shaping urban policies and initiatives. Digital tools can serve as enablers of participation, providing platforms for collaboration, feedback, and co-creation. By leveraging technologies such as GIS mapping and virtual reality simulations, urban planners can collaborate with youth to co-design inclusive spaces that cater to diverse needs and preferences.
The event would serve as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, highlighting the intersecting challenges and opportunities inherent in the digitalization of cities. By putting people, particularly youth, at the centre of urban development efforts and embracing a holistic approach that prioritizes equity, sustainability, and social justice, cities can harness the transformative power of digital tools to create more inclusive, resilient, and thriving urban systems.