Shaping Futures: Youth Livelihood Options in Creating Inclusive Cities

This project has emerged out of young people’s requests for improved livelihood options in their own urban contexts. It builds on established research partnerships and existing community initiatives, with longstanding engagement with youth in India and Brazil. Youth involvement in policy development is crucial, given the many challenges they face, linked to urbanisation, economic opportunities, rights and participatory democracy. With these issues recognised in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, now is a pivotal moment to: (a) critically consider young people’s livelihood experiences, and (b) innovate and rethink how young people can be engaged in policy development to address these challenges.

Through a strategic approach, using creative and accessible outputs, the research team is looking to engage with young and adult stakeholders to transform local policies and practices, and provide lessons nationally and cross-nationally to support youth livelihood options that create inclusive cities.