The FIA Foundation has reinforced its commitment to creating safer, healthier and more inclusive cities for children through a series of high-profile engagements at the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Global Public Space Network’s event, ‘Public Spaces from Early Childhood,’ brought together urban planners, policymakers and advocates to explore how public spaces can better support the needs of children and caregivers. Discussions highlighted practical methodologies, collaborative approaches and innovative strategies designed to place early childhood development at the heart of urban planning. FIA Foundation Child and Youth Director Atsani Ariobowo stressed the importance of designing cities for children through coordinated action, including coalition building, scaling up successful initiatives and securing sustainable financing for urban development.

At the Cities4Children Urban Library the ‘Resources to Transform Cities and Slums’ event focused on creating healthier, safer and more inclusive urban environments for children and young people. Child and Youth Director Atsani Ariobowo and highlighted a recent FIA Foundation report on unlocking safe infrastructure investment on the panel with Save the Children International, Van Leer Foundation, World Vision, Global Designing Cities Initiative, and C40 Cities.

The FIA Foundation also welcomed partners and supporters to its Child Health Initiative reception co-hosted with the Cities 4 Children Coalition [AA1.1]in Baku, celebrating shared progress toward safer urban environments for children and young people worldwide. Speakers included Vusal Rajabli, the president of Azerbajian auto club AMAK[AA2.1], who showcased in-country achievements in advancing safer mobility for children in partnership with Child Health Initiative member EASST, supported by the FIA Foundation. The Initiative highlighted successful collaborations with local stakeholders, including automobile clubs and civil society organizations, to improve road safety and access to education. 

Through these partnerships and events, the FIA Foundation continues to champion child-centred urban development, advocating for cities that prioritise safety, accessibility and wellbeing for future generations.