Confronting Crucial Global Urban Development Challenges And Young Professionals' Participation

Currently, Africa has the youngest population with youths accounting for 40 per cent and 70 per cent of sub-Saharan Africa under age 30. As a result, one would assume that being a large part of the population will connote influence and access. Rather, the inclusion and representation of youths at all levels and scales advocating for just cities - a notion developed by Susan Fainstein which encourages planners and policymakers to embrace a different approach to urban development issues by considering diversity and participation to improve the overall quality-of-life (economic growth, innovation, peace and security) for all, seems to be declining for reasons such as little or no access to urban policies and politicians, biased regulations, lack of recognition as equal partners, right holders and social actors with unique competences that can be incorporated into physical planning, limited platforms to express perspectives, the absence of training and mentorship opportunities and reduced use of public or physical space especially since the COVID-19 pandemic amongst others. Thus, leaving them at risk of being left behind. This besetting issue of inclusion and representation in the built sector is not peculiar to Africa – it is global by extension. With presently about 1.2 billion youths according to the United Nations and projections indicating a rise to 1.3 billion by 2030; meaning that 60 per cent of rapidly growing city populations are projected to be less than 18 years old by 2030, these figures can be indicative of a call to urgent action.
As an African female and young professional working in the built environment, I am convinced that action must be taken now to create just cities. The decisions made by a small group of policymakers, legislators, and other authority figures cannot be the only determinant of successful urban development. To achieve meaningful progress, young professionals must take active roles in shaping just cities and challenge the status quo. To begin with, we need to teach and engage all educational levels. As a result, (re)shaping the mindset of future generations, raising thinkers and compassionate leaders who can weather these complexities with a strong sense of humanity while coordinating programmes that utilize local strengths and community engagement. This approach will help improve skill sets, including soft, hard, and digital skills, and foster cross-generational collaboration. Furthermore, amplify our voices and opinions in decision-making forums and creative entrepreneurship initiatives - not just being present but engaging as equal partners at every stage. This will contribute to creating solutions that meet the needs of millions of young people and work for everyone. Lastly, design new models and valuable strategies for involving young professionals in governance processes and bridging knowledge gaps while monitoring ongoing activities to evaluate their impact, efficiency and need for improvement.