Basic principles

The demographic changes in Europe constitute an enormous challenge for the long-term viability of our cities. Therefore, by developing more child and youth-friendly city environments, cities place not only the well-being of children, young people and parents in the heart of their actions but these cities also create frameworks in which - as a final outcome - family life is facilitated and encouraged. Gender equality of men and women, adults and children should be integrated into every policy.

The necessary changes cannot be achieved by cities alone. Therefore, in parallel to cooperation among cities, Cities for Children need support from governments, partners and patrons at the national, European, and international level. Each of these organizations could contribute to the necessary rise of awareness and the change in perspective concerning the importance of child and youth-friendly environments in our European city communities.

Sustainable children, youth and family policies should not be limited to national entities. Particularly within the context of the European Union, cities have the possibility to exchange and to develop progressive concepts across national borders: The Network Cities for Children serves as a forum for major European cities pursuing innovative and sustainable policies in these fields.

In view of the rise in pluralism of family forms, the Network takes into account the need for equal opportunity for children, young persons and parents as well as the need of social cohesion within urban societies. Our strategy is connected to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. As stated in the Convention, a child means every human being below the age of eighteen years. The respect of children’s rights as defined by the Convention constitutes a pre-condition for child and youth-friendly societies.