In order to commit to creating a child friendly city, we need to respect children’s rights. Like everyone, they have simple human rights and are a critical aspect of the future. With children as stakeholders, it is crucial to pay attention to them first hand and listen to their needs.
Cities all over the world are contributing towards prioritizing children’s rights. They are working towards the elimination of child labor, decent work for young workers, parents and caregivers, and the overall protection and safety of children.
Engaging with children can strengthen and encourage broader sustainability practices. This will create more understanding of child rights risks and opportunities, as well as to obtain a range of perspectives on their broad human rights impact. Children need to be heard in order for communities to understand and respond to children’s unique opinions, views, and experiences. This is critical information that can be useful and serve as insight to provide for them and build opportunities.
To achieve this, we must ensure that products and services are safe, and seek to support children’s rights through them. Another way is to use marketing and advertising that respect and support children’s rights.
From creating a better environment for children, it will encourage them to also get involved with the community. It is important to listen to children because of the importance of inclusivity. Other than having rights, children need to be included for various reasons. They are dependent, outspoken, and need to be educated. But most importantly, children are the future. The aim is to work towards ensuring that children are regarded as equal stakeholders and demonstrate commitment to taking children’s views and welfare seriously.