Growing up in cities: Local solutions for children

Background

In November 2025, Ljubljana will host the fifth edition of the Eurocities Social Innovation Lab, focused on local solutions for children. Against a backdrop of growing urban inequalities, mental health challenges, educational and social disparities, and violence against children, cities are increasingly at the forefront of ensuring that every child can thrive. The Lab will serve as a space for cities to co-create innovative, actionable responses that tackle the pressing challenges faced by children across Europe.

The thematic priorities for this year’s Social Innovation Lab include:

1. Mitigating child poverty, implementing the EU Child Guarantee at local level (including integrated, high-quality education for all) (Green track)
2. Combating violence against children and strengthening integrated child protection systems (Yellow track)
3. Promoting physical health and wellbeing among children and youth, including equal opportunities and access to services for children with disabilities (Blue track)

The EU Child Guarantee is a key tool for cities to reduce child poverty and exclusion. Local authorities are central to ensuring access to free, high-quality services for vulnerable children including education, healthcare, nutrition, housing, and childcare. Coordinated efforts with national governments and stakeholders can enhance the impact and effectiveness of these measures at the local level.

Health, especially mental health is another growing concern, with one in seven adolescents affected by a mental disorder. Cities are responding by embedding support services in schools, increasing access to psychological care, and raising awareness, while also using urban design, mobility, and community programming to support general wellbeing.

Finally, combating violence against children and strengthening child protection systems at the local level are often the first line of defence in safeguarding children’s rights. Children can be victims, witnesses, as well as perpetrators of violence, starting from their own homes, in school, in leisure and recreational activities, offline as well as online. Experiencing violence in childhood may have long-life consequences. Promoting a culture of zero-tolerance for violence against children requires to close the gap between international standards, political commitments, and action and to mobilise all relevant actors at the local level. Cities must identify and support at-risk children through schools, health services, and social care, while ensuring cooperation with national agencies and civil society to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Expected outcome

During the Social Innovation Lab, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share practices, and learn from each other about applying innovative tools to mitigate the urban challenges faced by children and youth. Through co-creation and discussion, participants will build innovative solutions and alternative municipal measures such as policies, projects, and approaches. Eurocities will then use the outcomes of these discussions to collect good practices and showcase the strong role that cities play in the social inclusion and empowerment of children.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.