Brief description of the project 

The Safe & Sound Cities (S²Cities) Program is a global initiative led by the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB), with ICLEI as the regional implementer, that promotes safer and healthier cities through the active participation of young people, the transformation of public spaces, and collaboration between local governments, the private sector, and civil society. The program is implemented in cities across Latin America and Asia, including Colombia, Ecuador, the Philippines, and Indonesia, fostering youth-led solutions to urban challenges related to safety, community life, and well-being. 

Implementation period: 2023 – 2024

Funders: Swiss Philanthropy Foundation and Fondation Botnar

Implementing organizations: 

• Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB): global implementer
• ICLEI: regional implementer
• Local Implementers: Fundación Mi Sangre (Envigado); TANDEM and Huasipichanga (Ambato); Huasipichanga, INTEGRAR and Fundación AMARU (Cuenca)

Territory(ies) where it was implemented: Cuenca and Ambato (Ecuador); Envigado (Colombia)

Products developed:

• Implementation of youth cohorts with mentoring processes and evaluation of local initiatives.
• Development of expert panels for the selection and strengthening of youth-led projects.
• Articulation of multi-sectoral spaces with local governments, the private sector and civil society.
• Participation in the Global Convening S²Cities and launch of the Global Learning Network.

Key results:

• Strengthening youth leadership in urban security, coexistence and well-being.
• Improvement in the quality and focus of youth initiatives, addressing issues such as mental health, public space, inclusion and the environment.
• Consolidation of a global learning and exchange network, connecting cities in Latin America and Asia.
• Strengthening local and regional institutional coordination, with direct support to municipal governments and key stakeholders.