This policy brief addresses critical gaps in ensuring the safety of young people in urban environments. Firstly, it emphasises the necessity for adopting a comprehensive and contextsensitive approach to urban safety, recognising the interconnectedness of various factors. Secondly, it underscores the significance of involving young people in decision-making processes regarding the design and development of their urban surroundings. Drawing upon insights and case studies from the Safe and Sound Cities programme (S²Cities), this brief offers actionable recommendations to address these challenges and enhance the wellbeing of our youth.
S²Cities is an initiative that aims to enhance young people’s safety in urban environments. It is proudly led by the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation, in partnership with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), hosted by the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation, with the support of Fondation Botnar.
Central to the programme’s methodology is the Relational Well-Being Approach, which transcends conventional safety concerns to address the underlying conditions influencing well-being. It identifies three forms of underlying well-being drivers; personal, societal, and environmental (Jha, 2022). Acknowledging urban areas as intricate socio-economic ecosystems with diverse challenges and stakeholders, the programme recognises the influential roles of governments, private enterprises, and civil society organisations. It emphasises that the interplay and dynamics among these actors profoundly impact the safety and holistic well-being of young individuals. The S²Cities programme places young people at the forefront of interactions among these stakeholders, fostering an inclusive support system where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Section 1 of the brief offers the context for defining and addressing urban safety from the perspective of young people.
Section 2 explores the impactful collaborations between young people and stakeholders in six participating cities. Drawing from case studies and insights, primarily from Years 1 and 2, this section highlights tangible outcomes in spatial interventions, policy development, and community building.
Section 3 outlines recommendations for other programmes, governments, institutions, and civil society organisations to empower young people and create safer urban spaces. These recommendations include integrating holistic approaches to urban safety into programme and policy design, developing context-sensitive youth engagement methodologies, forging partnerships with governments, supporting institutionalisation of youth-led initiatives, and adopting iterative evaluation approaches to monitor progress. Through these measures, S²Cities and similar initiatives can pave the way for safer, more inclusive urban environments, prioritising the well-being of young people.
