For the past five months, Accountable Now has been working with Fondation Botnar to support their youth cohort – the City Shapers. Composed of 42 amazing young people, the cohort’s mission was to create a sense of shared community and purpose before and during the 12th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), held in Cairo, Egypt this past November. Continue reading for reflections from the City Shapers on youth engagement during the event.
These amazing young people come from all across the globe, speak a variety of languages, and bring a wealth of unique interests and expertise to the table. The City Shapers were brought together through their passionate involvement in a Fondation Botnar-supported program, all dedicated to advancing the wellbeing of young people in cities. However, most had never met each other before this experience – and that’s where we came in.
Accountable Now’s mission was to provide holistic support tailored to the City Shapers’ diverse backgrounds and needs. For some, WUF12 wasn’t their first rodeo. For others, it was their first time leaving their home country. While a few had delivered speeches on international stages, others were just stepping into the spotlight for the first time.
Our work started well before WUF12, rooted in what the City Shapers told us they needed most. We hosted webinars on networking, created international travel guides, and shared tips about the host country, Egypt. Once we hit the ground at WUF12, we kept the momentum going with daily booth sessions, facilitating meetings, and organizing opportunities for City Shapers to shine – from panel discussions to independent sessions.
In a space as massive (and, let’s face it, occasionally overwhelming) as WUF12, youth voices can sometimes get drowned out. But not these City Shapers – they came ready to make noise and make a difference.
Curious what it’s like to navigate the World Urban Forum as a young changemaker? Wondering what some of the key takeaways are?
Maeva, Perpetual, Merna, Orieny, and Quỳnh Anh shared their reflections…
City Shapers were front and center at WUF12, making their voices heard in a variety of ways. From speaking on panels to asking questions in high-level sessions, participating in the Youth Roundtable, and presenting their own work, they were everywhere. Despite still facing challenges like discrimination, young people didn’t just attend—they shaped the conversations.
Maeva: “Although I faced challenges being heard in spaces dominated by adults, I learned that youth ideas are not only valuable but essential for building inclusive solutions.”
Perpetual: “I noticed how discussions shifted once youth voices were included. By sharing real-life experiences and practical solutions, we brought a fresh perspective that made decision-making more impactful.”
Merna: “When senior decision makers began taking serious notes during our presentations, it became clear that young people aren’t just asking for a seat at the table but [are] fundamentally reshaping how urban development conversations happen.”
Youth voices bring so much to the table—passion, fresh perspectives, and creative ideas. Being part of such a vibrant, youth-driven community reinforced for the City Shapers just how powerful youth can be. They’re not just thinking about the future; they’re shaping the present in real, impactful ways. And after experiencing this firsthand, it’s clear – it’s been overdue for global leaders to start listening and collaborating with youth to drive meaningful change.
Orieny: “World leaders need to recognize, understand and adopt youth perspectives from WUF12 because they are authentic, honest and informed with our lived experiences and science and motivated by nothing but the best interest for humanity.”
Maeva: “At WUF12, we demonstrated that young people are not just the future but active agents in the present, offering inclusive and innovative solutions.”
Quỳnh Anh: “Recognizing and empowering youth is not just about inclusion; it’s about unlocking the energy, creativity, and passion necessary to shape a better, more sustainable future.”
Perpetual: “Youth are already leading change in their communities and our leaders need to understand that youth perspectives are rooted in real-life experiences and practical solutions, not just idealism. We bring fresh energy that complements their expertise.”
One of the standout benefits of being part of the City Shapers was the unique, diverse perspectives shared by this international group. Each City Shaper brought their own lived experience to the table, all while working toward a common goal. This multicultural exchange was not just valuable, it was essential.
Merna: “Our collaborative approach demonstrated that true urban transformation requires deep listening, cross-cultural understanding, and a commitment to centering community needs in every strategic discussion.”
Perpetual: “Connecting with young advocates from different countries reminded me that our struggles and wins are interconnected, pushing me to work more collaboratively and creatively in my advocacy.”
Maeva: “Connecting with youth from around the world reminded me that, while our realities may differ, we share the dream of building a fairer and more inclusive world.”
Quỳnh Anh: “Connecting with these young changemakers reminded me that the heart of advocacy is rooted in passion, creativity, and a willingness to act locally while thinking globally.”
Reflecting back on the experience, one theme stands out: the inspiration drawn from community. Orieny summed it up perfectly: “Connecting with fellow City Shapers from across the world gave me infinite inspiration to continue pushing for all youth movements to come together. The best is yet to come!“
Written by Accountable Now Communications Fellow and City Shaper Project Manager Katie McCarthy
With insights and contributions from City Shapers:
Eliana Maeva Lopez Mero, Ecuador – Manta Mia
Keh Perpetual Afefa, Ghana – The Young and Safe Project
Merna Abdelhamid, Egypt – Young Gamechangers Initiative
Japeth Orieny, Kenya – Children, Cities and Climate Action Lab Project
Lê Quỳnh Anh, Vietnam – UN-Habitat Vietnam
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