III. Civic space in urban setting

The world is undergoing the largest wave of urban growth in history. More than half of the world’s population now live in towns and cities, and by 2030 this number is predicted to swell rise to about 5 billion. Much of this urbanization will unfold in Africa and Asia, bringing huge social, economic and environmental transformations. Youth comprise a major part of the urban population in rapidly growing cities of the developing world. By 2030, it is estimated that 60 percent of urban dwellers worldwide will be under the age of eighteen.

Around 717 million young women and men live in the Asia-Pacific region. Urbanization will continue to be the Asia-Pacific region’s engine of economic growth and social transformation for decades to come, affecting many young people. The region is already home to the world’s largest urban population. Yet with all the rapid urbanization, Asia is still the second least-urbanized region after Africa. Urbanization in Asia and the Pacific will continue rapidly, buoyed by migration and youth population rise. Urban planning and trends in urbanization, such as the privatization of urban areas, will also directly affect youth and how they actively engage with their communities and wider societies. Providing public spaces that empower youth and allow them to engage in public life is critical to meeting the needs of a growing youth population. 

​Key entry points on this topic include (but are not limited to) the following:

• How is urbanization, and urban trends such as the steady privatization of public spaces affecting youth participation?
• How is the securitization and privatization of the urban realm changing the social, cultural and historical fabric of cities for youth?
• How is the shrinking physical civic space affecting youth, and young women in particular, in the region?
• How can urban spaces become more inclusive for young women to actively participate?
• How can urban spaces be used to fulfil the needs of young citizens?