Location: Global (Ambato, Baguio, Bandung, Cartagena, Cape Coast, Cuenca, Envigado, Naga City, Sekondi-Takoradi)

Client: Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB)

Year: Since 2021

Services: Urban Diagnostic and Strategic Advisory; Programme Design and Investment Planning; ESG, Placemaking and Implementation 

Partners: City Collab, EAFIT, Fondation Botnar

Areas of Impact: Economic Development & Local Value Creation, Healthy, Livable Environments and Governance, Capacity & Smart Cities

Overview

Safe and Sound Cities (S²Cities) is a global programme that empowers young people aged 15–24  to shape safer, more inclusive cities of their own. By 2030, 60% of the world’s urban population will be under 18—a powerful reminder that cities must be inclusive, safe, and responsive to the health, well-being, and aspirations of their young residents. The programme supports youth organisations and local authorities to create places, platforms, and roadmaps to make young people’s voices heard—and to influence the environments they move through every day.

OSLUM has supported the programme since its design phase as the global placemaking advisor. Through learning workshops, the development of the Theory of Change, the establishment of a global partnership model, and technical assistance across ten cities in five countries, OSLUM has been instrumental in all phases of the programme. 

Context & Challenge 

As cities across the globe grapple with complex urban challenges—from rising inequality and climate change to growing insecurity—young people emerge not only as a vulnerable demographic but also as critical agents of change. Yet their voices, needs, and aspirations often remain marginal in urban policy and spatial planning. Many young people have limited opportunities to engage with local authorities or understand how cities function and how they can influence local decision-making. 

The S²Cities programme has developed, tested, and scaled a model for youth-driven systemic change, with the ambition of adapting and applying youth-led solutions across diverse urban contexts. At its core is the recognition of young people as co-creators of safer cities and the importance of nurturing environments where their agency, creativity, and resilience can thrive.

Project Implementation Approach 

In 2020, Fondation Botnar was looking for support in the development of a new global programme focused on youth, safety, and cities. Conceived with a long-term perspective, the programme set out to reimagine the underlying systems shaping rapidly changing urban environments where young people live, grow, and thrive.

To shape the programme, OSLUM convened a global learning workshop that brought together international organisations, scholars, and urban experts to share knowledge and insights. This collaborative process informed the programme's strategic direction and led to the identification of the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation and other global partners to shape and pilot the new programme.

During the design phase, OSLUM supported the development of the Theory of Change and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework, establishing four key stages to guide participating cities from understanding urban systems to enabling systemic change.

Today, OSLUM continues to provide technical assistance for placemaking activities across ten cities in six countries through training courses, innovation workshops, and global learning webinars.

Impact 

The S²Cities Programme is now in its second phase of implementation, building on the success of Phase I (2021–2024). What began with pilot initiatives in two cities has grown into a global programme spanning Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. Led by experienced local partners and supported through global technical guidance, peer learning, and advocacy, the programme continues to strengthen youth-led urban transformation across diverse city contexts.

• 10 vibrant intermediary cities across 4 continents, where the programme is being implemented

• 11,700+ young people engaged and empowered through the programme

• 700+ organisations including governments, civil society and private sector partners engaged in mentorship, capacity strengthening, and co-creation

• 40+ youth-led safety initiatives incubated in the programme, addressing diverse urban challenges