Plan Your Brisbane: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Urban Development - A Story from Down Under

I am writing to you from the vibrant city of Brisbane, where I am currently on a business trip. During my stay here, I had the incredible opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable strides Brisbane is making towards a sustainable future, particularly by actively engaging its young population.

Urban centers around the world are expanding rapidly, becoming significant sources of pollution and challenges. Achieving sustainable urban development has become imperative to create cities where people can thrive, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11. Despite the eagerness of young people to participate in shaping their cities, they often face barriers hindering their involvement in decision-making processes.

Recognizing the urgency, Brisbane, Australia, has set an example by involving its youth in sustainable urban development through the 'Plan Your Brisbane' initiative. Anticipating a population increase of 386,000 residents by 2041, the Brisbane City Council (BCC) launched this project in 2017. Focusing on key themes—Lifestyle, green space, transport, and affordability—the initiative aimed to engage citizens, particularly the youth, in shaping the city's future.

Youth participation is pivotal in adopting greener practices. Research indicates that Millennials and Generation Z are more inclined towards environmentally conscious decisions. Brisbane's approach involved various channels, including surveys, school competitions, youth advisory councils, and the innovative 'Plan Your Brisbane Game.' This online gaming experience encouraged users to design suburbs, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle, transport, housing affordability, and green space. By gamifying the planning process, Brisbane successfully engaged the usually challenging age groups of 18-34, fostering their interest in urban development.

The success of the initiative was bolstered by a comprehensive promotional campaign, leveraging cinema ads, TV commercials, social media, and outdoor advertising. The results exceeded expectations, with over 100,000 residents participating in the game, sharing ideas, and contributing to surveys. Notably, almost 18,000 young people actively engaged, showcasing their visions for a smarter, more sustainable Brisbane.

The ideas generated by the youth emphasized renewable energy, cleanliness, active spaces, digital connectivity, and environmental sustainability. Their aspirations encompassed efficient transport, affordable housing, and transforming landfills into art. Brisbane's Future Blueprint, launched in mid-2018, incorporated these ideas, outlining eight principles and 40 actions to guide the city's growth sustainably.

Looking forward, the involvement of youth will play a pivotal role in transitioning urban centers towards greener, more digital environments. Educating and empowering young people is essential, requiring support from various stakeholders. Initiatives like 'Plan Your Brisbane' should inspire governments worldwide to engage with youth actively, integrating their perspectives into sustainable urban planning and development processes.

In the words of Raf Tuts, Director of UN-Habitat’s Global Solutions Division, "The battle to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals will be won or lost in cities, and it will be young men and women who will be leading the charge through their innovation and drive."

The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the architects of our sustainable future. Please share this story, comment on your thoughts and ideas, and let's continue this vital conversation.

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