Odisha: Jatni Selected for Global ‘Young Gamechanger Initiative’ by United Nations-Habitat

Bhubaneswar: Jatni has become one of the three cities selected in a global competition for the pilot implementation of “Young Gamechanger Initiative” by UN-Habitat.

Out of all the applications received, three cities – Armenia (Columbia), Jatni (India) and Bargny (Senegal) have been finally selected to pilot the “Young Gamechangers Initiative”.

The United Nations in close collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Block by Block Foundation is leading a three-year project to improve the health and well-being of young people living in growing cities around the world.

The initiative is being funded by Foundation Botnar to work towards improving young people’s urban health through their active engagement in urban governance, design of inclusive public space and digital engagement.

Under the YGI, Jatni Municipality will build governance frameworks to strengthen the health and well-being of young people. The initiative will also empower young people with voice and agency and provide the right digital skills to engage in governance and support local authorities in delivering public spaces that are safe, accessible and that promote health and wellbeing.

Over the next three years Jatni Municipality will work with the other two selected cities in close coordination with UN-Habitat to engage with local governments and youth in governance and urban planning processes to improve advanced urban health and the well-being of young people.

The selected cities will be provided with support in terms of technical advice, training, advisory etc. to address the issues and challenges faced by youths to improve the ecosystem of health and well-being.

The implementation of the program in three cities will act as a learning hub and the knowledge generated during the project will be made available for other cities and shared globally through UN-Habitat’s channels.