IN a powerful demonstration of youth-led innovation, the first-ever Sustainable International Block–Youth Co-Creation Camp (Youth Co-creation Camp), organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) SDG Innovation Lab (HUA HUB), successfully concluded its final roadshow Sept. 25.

The initiative showcased how young minds are designing the future of urban spaces. The camp was officially launched at the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.

Following a recruitment drive in June that saw 119 teams from around the world submit 129 proposals, 10 international youth teams were selected. They were joined by specially invited local teams to tackle urban challenges in Shenzhen’s Longhua District, focusing on five key themes: transportation hub, urban landscape, commercial building, cultural tourism town, and featured community.

Over two months, these young innovators engaged in intensive capacity-building workshops led by experts from international organizations, government bodies, research institutions, and impact investment sectors.

From late July to mid-September, the participants collaborated with local authorities to refine their projects and gathered firsthand data through in-depth field research in three main blocks in Longhua — Core Zone of Longhua Central Axis Digital Industry, Dalang Fashion Town, and Guanlan Culture Town.

“The innovative ‘international’ model of this first Youth Camp and the outcomes achieved by the teams are commendable,” said Zeng Zhenke, executive deputy director of the Longhua District Committee (Government) Office. “The camp’s dual focus on internationalization and sustainability aligns perfectly with the development vision of Shenzhen and Longhua.”

“The international neighborhood concepts proposed by the participants are not merely redefinitions of architecture and streets but explorations of the symbiotic relationship between people and communities,” said Zhang Wei, UNDP China’s assistant resident representative. “By adhering to a people-centric approach, these innovative ideas and practices align with the core essence of the sustainable development goals.”

The camp facilitated over 50 community interviews and 20 field surveys, resulting in comprehensive reports and feasible action plans. HUA HUB has committed to incubating the top proposals with local partners, thereby translating youth creativity into tangible actions for urban sustainability.              (Tan Yifan)