S²Cities expands to Basel, Switzerland

In Phase I (2021-2024) the S²Cities  programme was implemented in six growing secondary cities, all with large populations of young people, where local authorities demonstrated a desire and need to increase youth decision-making and for youth safety. . While continuing activities in most of the Phase I cities, the programme will build on the success of Phase I and expand to new cities in Phase II (2024-29). Basel, Switzerland, joins as the latest city—marking S²Cities’ first entry into the Global North.

As the S²Cities programme expands to Basel, there is a dedicated focus on supporting the city’s LGBTQIA+ youth. While Basel is often seen as a queer-friendly hub in Switzerland, it still lacks youth-led spaces that prioritize the safety, security, and well-being of queer and trans young people. Furthermore, there is a lack of affirming, accessible spaces for queer youth—spaces essential not only for fostering safety and belonging but also for supporting mental health, self confidence, and access to vital public and social services. Across Switzerland, LGBTQIA+ youth face elevated risks of physical harm, social isolation, and mental health struggles. They are four times more likely to attempt suicide—most often during adolescence—highlighting the urgent need for inclusive and protective environments where they feel safe, supported, and empowered.

The pilot initiative in Basel is led by the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB), which is headquartered in the city and will manage the programme locally. With the support of their funder—the LGBTI Youth Fund—and the City of Basel, GIB brings the S²Cities approach to Basel for a pilot project focused on creating safer spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth in the city. The programme will engage a diverse group of LGBTQIA+ youth through inclusive outreach across local networks, universities, and youth associations. Participants will co-create and implement context-specific initiatives with city stakeholders to enhance visibility, agency, and well-being. A key element of the pilot will be the establishment of a dedicated youth hub—an affirming, accessible space for expression, collaboration, and support. Building on Basel’s progressive momentum—from policy reforms to cultural milestones— the initiative will place queer youth at the center of transforming the city. It aims to inspire systemic change not only in Basel but across Switzerland, offering a replicable model for advancing LGBTQIA+ rights and urban equity.