Building cities where childhood thrives

When we imagine a livable city, we often think of efficient transport, vibrant public spaces, and sustainable infrastructure.

- ANNA MAE YU LAMENTILLO

But we rarely ask a more fundamental question: Is this a city where a child can safely play, learn, and grow? For too long, cities have been designed for cars, commerce, and convenience — not for children. It's time to see cities through a different lens: the eyes of a child.

Children are excellent indicators of a city's health. If a city works for a child, chances are it works for everyone — from the elderly to people with disabilities. Children need safety, access to nature, opportunities for play, and a sense of community. These needs reflect what makes any urban space humane, inclusive, and sustainable.

Yet in many places, children are afterthoughts in urban planning. Streets are dominated by speeding traffic, sidewalks are narrow or broken, and open spaces are paved over or fenced off. Schools and homes are increasingly disconnected from green areas or social infrastructure. The result? Many children experience cities not as places of wonder, but as environments to be protected from — not to be engaged with.