A new network is being launched to support young people across the Commonwealth to contribute to, and advocate for, sustainable urbanisation, and to look at ways in which cities and human settlements can better reflect the needs of young people.
- Are you interested in urbanisation?
- Are you a young professional ? A university researcher, architect, land surveyor, urban planner, engineer, local government technical professional?
- Are you a young city leader in local government ?
- Are you a high school, college or university student?
If the answer is yes to any of those questions, then read on...
To join the network you must be:
- A citizen of a Commonwealth Nation - Check here: https://thecommonwealth.org/member-countries
- Age 15 - 35 Years old
If you are outside of that age bracket but would like to sit on the advisory board please email youth@commonwealthsustainablecities.org
Our cities already consume more than two thirds of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of all carbon emissions. From 2015 to 2050, the world’s urban population is expected to almost double, and almost 50% of that global urban growth is projected to be in the Commonwealth. 60% of the population of the Commonwealth is young people under the age of 30, who largely still lack a seat at the decision-making table.
The creation of this network is in response to the Call to Action on Sustainable Urbanisation across the Commonwealth, which asks:
- for greater priority to be given within the Commonwealth on sustainable urbanisation
- for a closer multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration by all stakeholders
- to invite those working in the field of sustainable urbanisation to support the initiative in the run up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
It is led by the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative (a multidisciplinary partnership group of Commonwealth partners comprising the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Commonwealth Association of Architects, the Commonwealth Association of Planners and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum) which acknowledges the importance of youth in sustainable urbanisation.
The network builds on the Youth Manifesto for Sustainable Urbanism launched at CHOGM 2018, London.
Aims of the network
- Provide an opportunity for young people from across different disciplines/constituencies relating to sustainable urbanisation to come together for networking, education, knowledge sharing and to exchange ideas, tools and learnings.
- Build the capacity of youth, to advocate for sustainable urbanisation, shape the future of, and re-design their environment
- Communicate the importance of youth-friendly and youth-aware sustainable urbanisation
- Proactively collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement innovative solutions
- Integrate a youth voice into Commonwealth policy and programmes and advocate for strengthened youth leadership and integration into decision making to support sustainable urbanisation
Further information
To find out more visit Commonwealth sustainable cities or email youth@commonwealthsustainablecities.org