As cities continue to grow, safe public spaces for children to play, move and connect are shrinking. A new global guide released today by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and UN-Habitat calls on governments and city leaders to put children at the centre of urban design, arguing that public spaces are essential to children’s health, development and well-being. The guide provides practical, evidence-informed guidance to help cities create streets, parks and public places that are safer, more inclusive and more resilient, while advancing equity, climate action and healthier urban living for all.
Globally, only 44% of urban residents live near an open public space, and that figure drops to 30% among urban residents in low- and middle-income countries. Millions of children living in towns and cities still lack access to public spaces. Pollution, traffic, overcrowding and climate-related hazards increasingly restrict children’s freedom to move, play and thrive. Well-designed public spaces enable children to move, play, learn and engage with nature safely.
Access to safe, inclusive public space is directly linked to children’s health, development, learning and social ties and is a child’s right, notes Dr Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department for Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention.
Read the report here
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