We Value the Voices of
Young People
By 2050, approximately 70% of the world's population will live in an urban environment. While our cities are growing, they are also getting younger, and it is estimated that by 2030, 60% of this urban population will be under the age of 18. However, young people are often underrepresented in urban governance processes.
A pressing challenge that confronts our growing cities is the unhealthy environments caused by rapid urbanisation and poor or inadequate urban planning, which perpetuate infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19, HIV/AIDS) and non-communicable diseases (heart disease, obesity, diabetes, mental illness). As cities play a critical role in improving health and wellbeing, promoting a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in and contributing to urban health research is necessary.
Urban health and the role of young researchers as future leaders of innovative research
Young researchers have fresh ideas, new perspectives and energy to address urban health challenges. However, they still need opportunities to bring their voices and perspectives and share their insights with the public, not just with academia. That is why we are inviting young researchers worldwide to share their messages on the pressing urban health challenges.
This event will also contribute to the Young Gamechangers Initiative at UN-Habitat.
