Children and youth are seldom involved in the construction of their environment. They are considered too inexperienced, too unrealistic, too unqualified. Yet their fresh perspectives may be exactly what is needed to see clearly into the realm of new possibilities. It is my strong conviction that tapping into young people�s ideas and reflections is essential to improving our cities. Creating Better Cities with Children and Youth can help us move in that direction.



This manual is the culmination of a remarkable international project that began twenty-six years ago under UNESCO�s Man and the Biosphere Programme, and then re-emerged six years ago under the auspices of UNESCO�s Social and Human Sciences Sector. It suggests how to create an atmosphere of trust between youth and adults in order for real communication to take place. It shows ways of assisting young people to be heard by those who are in positions to make official policy decisions that affect the quality of their lives. It is a guide on how to access children�s knowledge � both intuitive and based on experience � that is so often repressed or lost, yet that can be a precious insight into their daily realities and a powerful lever for improvement of urban life.



In taking the time to explore and apply the methods that have been developed in this research project, you will be sensitized to new ways of approaching poverty reduction and environmental design projects. You will also discover methods for involving local officials in such a way that they will remember to listen to all sub-groups in their population, particularly children and youth, and to include them in developing policies.



As a person continuously devoted to the compliance and enforcement of all human rights � civil, cultural, economic, political and social � I feel particularly committed to the guidance contained in this volume � guidance that encourages patience, perseverance and hope.



Putting into practice the methods described in Creating Better Cities for Children and Youth can help ensure that children�s rights are respected. I am therefore proud to offer it to the international community, with the firm belief that it can contribute to making this world a better place for current and future generations of children and youth.