United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Topic: Strengthening Child-Friendly Cities under Climate Transition

Working Language: English

Delegation: Double Delegation

Rules of Procedure: Beijing Rules of Procedure (Motion-oriented)

Climate transition has profound implications for children’s health, safety, education, and overall well-being, particularly in urban settings. Heatwaves, air pollution, extreme weather events, and inadequate urban services disproportionately affect children, exacerbating existing inequalities and threatening their fundamental rights.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has long emphasized the importance of child-centered urban development through its Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI). By promoting inclusive governance, safe public spaces, access to essential services, and meaningful child participation, the CFCI provides a comprehensive framework for integrating children’s rights into urban planning and policy-making.

Recognizing the interconnected nature of climate change, urban development, and children’s rights, UNICEF seeks to advance child-friendly city strategies that are climate-responsive, equitable, and sustainable. Despite increased global awareness of climate risks, the integration of children’s specific needs into climate transition policies remains insufficient. Addressing this gap requires not only reaffirming principles but also developing concrete, actionable measures to ensure that children are protected, heard, and empowered in rapidly transforming urban environments.

Therefore, the directors hope that delegates can collaborate to explore the challenges and opportunities of strengthening child-friendly cities in the context of climate transition. Delegates are encouraged to thoroughly understand the foundational materials, assess existing policy gaps, and strive to achieve the broadest possible consensus. We are looking forward to your collaboration in advancing child-friendly cities under climate transition and shaping sustainable urban futures for children worldwide.