Laying the Foundations for a Child-Focused Cities Analytical Framework: Reflections From an International, Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Lynne O. Cairns, Rongedzayi Fambasayi, Rejoice Shamiso Katsidzira, Predrag Milić, Jua Cilliers and Paula Barros
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Lynne O. Cairns: Department of Sociology, Durham University, UK
Rongedzayi Fambasayi: South African Research Chair in Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability, North-West University, South Africa
Rejoice Shamiso Katsidzira: Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Predrag Milić: URBAN – Interdisciplinary Centre for Urban Culture and Public Space, Vienna University of Technology, Austria / Social Design – Arts as Urban Innovation, University of Applied Arts Vienna, Austria
Jua Cilliers: School of Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney, Australia / Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, South Africa
Paula Barros: Departamento de Projetos, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil

Urban Planning, 2024, vol. 9

Abstract: Children, a unique yet marginalized social group, hold immense potential for driving meaningful social and environmental change, both in their current lives and as future stewards of the planet. However, their significant contributions often depend on the mechanisms and opportunities adults create to facilitate their participation and inclusion. This places local governance at a crucial juncture, mediating children’s involvement in shaping their urban environments. This research was initiated by the Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy in 2022, gathering international scholars and practitioners to critically assess the “child-friendly city” concept. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the study sought to advance the notion from simply being “friendly” to a deeper commitment to amplifying children’s voices within social, physical, and relational spheres. The methodology transitioned from initial academic discussions to the creation of a comprehensive analytical tool, the “Child-Focused Cities Analytical Framework.” This framework aims to tackle the complex challenges of child participation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in both local and global settings. This article unveils new insights at the intersection of children’s rights, the SDGs, and local governance, laying the groundwork for a model that prioritizes and enhances children’s perspectives, thereby catalyzing social and environmental progress.

Keywords: child-focused; child participation; children; cities; local governance; SDGs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:urbpla:v9:y:2024:a:8264

DOI: 10.17645/up.8264

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