The global community, today, pauses once again to take stock of the state of the living environment as it marks ‘World Habitat Day (WHD) 2024,’ amidst growing concern over the plight of some 200 million people in Sub-Saharan Africans living slum dwellers.
In Nigeria, human settlement experts are examining the theme ‘Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future’. This year’s theme highlights the vital role of young people in creating a better urban future. By 2030, 60 per cent of urban residents will be under the age of 18. With the urban population expected to increase by some 2.5 billion by 2050, the need for sustainable urban policies is becoming increasingly urgent.
According to the United Nations, more than one billion people live in slums or precarious housing, highlighting the urgency of ensuring equitable access to adequate infrastructure, services and housing.
Every year the United Nations celebrates WHD on the first Monday of October, marking the official start of Urban October: a month of celebrations and citizens’ engagement in urban life worldwide. WHD is an opportunity to discuss innovative solutions to create more inclusive and resilient cities that can adapt to global changes.
Speaking on the theme, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Mr Nathaniel Atebije told The Guardian that the choice of the theme is apt. “The reality of the times indicates a great gap between the old and the young. The two seem to be going along parallel lines without a meeting point.”
He said life on earth is a continuum, that one generation must pass some things to the succeeding one; where such is not practiced, then the concept of sustainable development is lost, adding that the two categories must therefore, meet, and interact to transfer information, knowledge, technology and culture to create a better urban future.
Atebije expressed the need to empower youth to take the lead in shaping their present and future, especially in the context of urban development and local leadership, which requires strategic engagement, education, and inclusive platforms.
“We can empower the youth through education and skill development such as urban planning and sustainability training, promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) knowledge and digital skills to develop innovative solutions like smart city technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and urban design apps.”
He urged their involvement in participatory governance and leadership opportunities in community-based projects and facilitating access to funding and resources. “Mentorship and networking are key through connecting young people with experienced professionals in urban planning, environmental sciences, architecture, and local governance who can guide them through career development and civic leadership.”
He called for the formulation of youth-centered policies that specifically target youth involvement in urban planning and development, such as by establishing frameworks for youth participation in city councils, urban renewal projects, and local government decisions.
Also, Atebije urged the government to engage in capacity building and education, institutionalising youth participation by creating permanent seats for youth representatives on urban planning committees, advisory boards, and community councils.
NITP president wants government should provide support for marginalized youth ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate in urban planning and leadership roles and access to affordable housing and employment.
Past president, Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), Dr. Moses Ogunleye, said the large numbers of the youth are critical in creating a better urban future, adding that their energies and innovative ideas are resources that can be tapped for policies, regulations and programmes development.
To empower them, he said they should be made to take the lead in many areas of urban issues such as open space management, recreation/leisure, environmental resources conservation, urban security, urban safety, energy conservation, and climate change adaptation.
The NITP National Publicity Secretary, Dr David Olawale, expressed the need to carry the youth along in creating an urban future that is sustainable and liveable.
Olawale, who is the Chairman, ATOPCON, Lagos State chapter, urged participatory development processes so that young people can turn urban challenges into opportunities.
MEANWHILE, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres in a message, advocated young people’s inclusion in decision-making, and the building of cities where people of all ages can thrive.
According to him, young people are crucial to building a more equitable and sustainable future. “Making the most of that potential requires investing in education, expanding digital skills, fostering entrepreneurship and promoting youth-led initiatives on climate action, affordable housing and durable mobility,” Guterres added.
