Baku: In just four years, approximately one billion people in Africa will be living in cities, Vera Bukachi, Executive Director of the Kounkuey Design Initiative (Kenya), announced during the 'Youth and Civil Society Leadership in the Development of Sustainable and Inclusive Cities' event. This event was part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, according to APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Bukachi highlighted that more than half of Africa's population will be under the age of 35. However, this demographic is often sidelined from opportunities and decisions that influence the future development of their communities. She emphasized the importance of integrating youth and civil society into the urban planning process to ensure sustainable practices.

Bukachi stressed that young people should be seen as active participants in urban transformation, not just as beneficiaries. They should be involved as co-designers, co-implementers, rights holders, and joint executors to drive effective urban change.