Infrastructure &
The Next Generation
Building infrastructure with young people, for young people, so that future generations are thriving and empowered to drive positive change.
With 1.8 billion young people worldwide—90% residing in the Global South—, the pressures of rapid urbanisation, economic stresses, deep-rooted social inequities, and accelerating environmental degradation are disproportionately affecting youth. Poor urban planning, inadequate infrastructure, and resource depletion exacerbate these challenges, affecting their livelihoods and well-being. Despite their creativity and technological fluency, young people are often excluded from critical urban infrastructure decisions.
This exclusion reflects broader governance gaps where systemic barriers—lack of formal platforms and socio-economic constraints—limit youth engagement. Infrastructure policies frequently overlook the realities young people face, leading to systems that fail to support their evolving needs.
As global challenges like climate change, urban migration, and technological disruption intensify, infrastructure must be sustainable and adaptable. Without meaningful youth inclusion, urban systems risk falling behind, perpetuating inequality and undermining resilience.
Next-generation infrastructure must be intelligent, efficient, and resilient, designed to address the needs and aspirations of future generations. Recognising these challenges, GIB is committed to ensuring that young people are central to shaping sustainable, resilient urban systems. By leveraging their insights and fostering innovation, GIB aims to empower future generations to lead the transition toward equitable and thriving cities.
GIB’s Infrastructure and Next Generation pillar puts youth at the centre of building safer, inclusive, and sustainable cities. Through programmes like S²Cities, young leaders identify local issues and co-develop innovative solutions. By integrating youth insights into urban planning, GIB ensures infrastructure reflects their aspirations. We empower youth to actively shape urban development and influence policies that impact their present and future.
GIB brings together local communities, policymakers, global partners, thought leaders, and young leaders to co-create actionable urban solutions. By fostering dialogue and collaboration through strategic convening, GIB bridges the gap between grassroots insights and institutional support. This approach ensures that youth-driven ideas influence policy and infrastructure development, driving long-term resilience and equitable urban growth.
We emphasise the power of knowledge creation to address youth issues in urban development. By generating research, insights, and best practices, GIB equips young leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders with the tools needed to tackle urban challenges. GIB actively shares this knowledge at events, workshops, and conferences to raise awareness and garner support for the mission of creating safe, inclusive and sustainable urban environments for young people.
