This International Youth Day, the Healthy Cities for Adolescents (HCA) programme is amplifying the voices of a powerful majority – young people living in cities.
Today, more than half of the world’s nearly four billion young people under the age of 30 live in urban areas. By 2030, the UN projects that 60% of all city dwellers will be under 18. Yet, these voices are too often left out of shaping the very cities they call home. Young people, and especially adolescents, are not passive recipients of policies – they are residents with lived experience, fresh ideas, and bold solutions. Cities that centre youth perspectives are better equipped for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
As the first step of Our City. Our Say campaign, adolescents across six HCA countries step in front of the camera to answer one powerful question: “If I were the leader of my city, what would I change?”
The result is a youth-produced film capturing diverse voices, ideas, and visions for healthier, more inclusive urban spaces. These aren’t just dreamers – they’re citizens, thinkers, and changemakers. They are reshaping the conversation and driving ideas for change.
This is just the beginning.
Over the coming months, we will continue the campaign – collecting youth voices, building intergenerational dialogue, and creating spaces for co-leadership. A dynamic Declaration Wall will follow in October on World Cities Day, where young people – and later, community members, educators, and city leaders – will share their ideas, and commitments for urban change.
Because cities built with youth as equal partners are stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.
Join us. Watch the film. Share it. Start the conversation in your city!
