Cities reimagined: Youth shaping the cities of tomorrow 

Urban centers are becoming more age-diverse than ever, yet many cities struggle to meaningfully engage different generations. With the global population projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, cities must evolve to foster intergenerational connections rather than maintaining rigid silos. 

Youth, often excluded from decision-making, hold enormous potential to bridge these divides. In Europe and Central Asia, where young people under 24 make up 17% of the population, they can play a crucial role in shaping inclusive, sustainable urban environments. Yet, high youth unemployment – exceeding 20% in parts of the region and reaching 32% in Kosovo [1] – pushes many to leave their communities. Addressing this challenge requires equipping youth with the tools and spaces to actively contribute to their cities. 

At the same time, young people are at the forefront of sustainability efforts. Nearly 160 million youth in the region live in areas vulnerable to climate change, and in a recent Amnesty International study 41% of youth around the world identify it as the defining issue of our time. Beyond job creation, empowering youth to lead urban initiatives can fuel their passion to address pressing challenges and ensures cities remain hubs for innovation and action. 

UNDP is exploring youth-driven innovation to reimagine cities as spaces where people of all ages collaborate toward shared progress. Examples from across Europe and Central Asia illustrate how youth engagement can lead to meaningful change. 

Tapping into the power of imagination 

It is one thing to design youth-focused initiatives based on data; it is another to involve young people in the ideation process. When youth are empowered to propose solutions, they become proactive changemakers, developing leadership skills while shaping cities to reflect their needs and perspectives. 

The City Experiment Fund, а regional UNDP initiative that brings cities together to reimagine urban development and shape sustainable cities through strategic innovation, showcases this approach. In Pristina, Kosovo, young people took the reins in reimagining public spaces, transforming them from neglected areas into vibrant, inclusive gathering places. Over several months, children aged 10-17 engaged in a dynamic process that included brainstorming sessions, design roundtables, and AI testing workshops. They assessed their needs and envisioned new urban spaces that foster community and creativity. Two standout ideas emerged: a social hub with circular seating and swings, designed to encourage interaction, and an open green space envisioned as a cultural venue with sustainable furniture, offering a space for performances, learning, and relaxation. These initiatives highlight the need for safe, interactive environments that bring communities together. 

In Montenegro, the non-profit Korak sa Naukom (Step with Science) engages youth in problem-solving through its annual Engineering Summer School. Participants tackle local challenges, such as reducing air pollution in Pljevlja by automating city traffic and incentivizing alternatives to car use. Emerging ideas include a subsidy program to encourage reduced personal vehicle usage, illustrating how youth-driven initiatives can contribute to broader sustainability efforts. 

Meanwhile, Lviv, Ukraine, as part of Mayors for Economic Growth, a EU-UNDP initiative supporting municipalities in the Eastern Partnership countries, introduced civic engagement tools, including public hearings, a petition portal, and youth advisory councils. These platforms enable young people to influence local policies, from road repairs to sports programs. By including youth in local governance, Lviv’s model showcases how cities can encourage long-term civic responsibility and inclusive decision-making. 

Co-creation in Stepanavan: The Looys Youth Center 

But engagement can go beyond mere consultation and involvement when young people become equal partners in shaping initiatives. Co-creation builds a lasting sense of ownership, encouraging youth to lead projects that address their real needs and not only. 

In Stepanavan, Armenia, UNDP supported the creation of the Looys Youth Center (“light” in Armenian) after community listening sessions revealed that youth were leaving not just for jobs but due to a lack of vibrant spaces. Through sensemaking and foresight workshops, young and older generations co-designed a dynamic learning ecosystem within the local library. Opened in July 2023, the center is now a self-sustaining hub for youth innovation and intergenerational connection. 

Volunteers like 17-year-old Mikayel and 16-year-old Julie regularly organize activities ranging from movie nights to debate clubs and mountain excursions. Julie reflects, “Before joining the youth center, I was very shy. Now, I feel more comfortable connecting with others.” Beyond serving youth, the center collaborates with the library’s staff to modernize resources and host cultural events. Volunteers have even helped revamp book collections and create interactive programs that appeal to all generations. 

Next steps: Empowering youth leadership for resilient cities 

What is clear is that to fully harness youth potential in urban transformation, cities must move beyond consultation toward genuine co-creation, ensuring young people have ownership over initiatives they help design. This fosters leadership, skill-sharing, and solutions that are both innovative and inclusive. 

For example, competitions like C40’s Youth Reinventing Cities exemplify how youth can lead sustainable urban change. This global initiative challenges young people to rethink urban development by designing climate-resilient, inclusive cities. Participants then collaborate with urban planners, policymakers, and environmental experts to develop solutions tackling urban mobility, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation. With over 13,000 young participants worldwide, the competition provides hands-on experience in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

By cultivating collaboration and creativity, these types of initiatives empower youth to drive real, lasting change – ensuring cities are not just built for them, but by them. 

[1] References to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).