Steps

The exact process of building a child-friendly city or community will depend on the local context and will be influenced by factors such as the political environment, administrative structures, population size and available resources. Common steps include:

1. Assessing the situation of children, including them in the process.
2. Developing a strategy with action plan.
3. Implementing the plan with relevant municipal stakeholders including children themselves.
4. Monitoring and evaluating the results and adjusting the plan as necessary.

Developing a Child Friendly Cities Initiative under the UNICEF banner requires establishing a partnership with UNICEF and obtaining UNICEF recognition if recognition criteria are met*.

Learn more about the steps in the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities and Communities Handbook.

Click here to search for tools and resources for each step.

Click here to see examples of the strategies used to build a child-friendly city.

*In assessing any potential partnerships, UNICEF is guided by its commitment to protecting children first and foremost. While UNICEF welcomes and supports all efforts to advance child rights, advancements in one area do not compensate for child rights violations in another.