Youth vitality

陈小将

The mayors and international guests also said that sustainable cities must be co-designed with the next generation, and urban innovation is about creating ecosystems of belonging, opportunities and shared ownership.

"We don't just ask youth to be the future. Instead, we invite them to build it with us now," said Victoria Woodards, the mayor of Tacoma, Washington, in the United States.

The Mayor's Youth Commission of Tacoma is an example, she said. Established to amplify the voices of young people, the commission is made up of high school students who advise city leaders on policies that affect their lives. They tackle topics like climate justice, mental health, housing and civic engagement, ensuring that the city has their values and vision at its core.

Merja Narvo-Akkola, deputy mayor of Espoo, Finland, said that Espoo is a pioneer in youth participation in city governance. The voices of young people are heard and they matter, she said.