Original article and photos published by AIP Foundation
VINH LONG Province, Vietnam – 10 February 2026
Despite being frequent road and public space users, Vietnamese urban youth are often excluded from the city design and traffic safety decisions that impact them most. This must change. There can be no action without youth.
Putting youth at the decision-making table, the Youth Action for Livable Cities, a campaign under the Capacitando os jovens para cidades habitáveis e AI for Global Goals projects, aims to create meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in increasing sustainable mobility and building more livable cities. The initiative was first piloted through the AI&Me: capacitando jovens para estradas mais seguras program in three cities in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Pleiku, and Yen Bai from 2021 to 2024. Now it is expanding to Vinh Long and An Giang, where youth voices are being placed at the center of discussions about urban futures.
On 10 February in Vinh Long Province, the launch event was held with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Construction, Provincial Department of Education and Training, Department of Construction, Public Security, Youth Union and local authorities, international partner organizations, as well as students, teachers, parents from 15 schools, and the media.
The event, led by AIP Foundation and the Vinh Long Department of Education and Training, and with support from Fondation Botnar, Google.org, and FIA Foundation, in collaboration with iRAP and YOURS – Youth for Road Safety, reaffirmed a shared commitment to meaningful youth participation in urban development.
“At Fondation Botnar, we believe that young people must be active partners in shaping the cities they live in. When youth participation moves beyond voice to shared action, cities become healthier, more inclusive places that support young people’s rights, wellbeing, and agency,” said Susanna Hausmann, Cities Portfolio Lead at Fondation Botnar.
“Young people are at most risk on the road, but their experiences and voices are often overlooked in road designs and urban mobility options. This important project allows youth to be active participants in, and advocates for, equitable spaces and integrated transport, where all road users mix. Safer streets for young people mean safer streets for all,” says Atsani Ariobowo, FIA Foundation Director of Children and Youth.
“At Google.org, we support initiatives that are grounded in evidence and data to drive real-world impact,” said Leslie Yeh, Director of Scientific Progress, Google.org. “Research consistently shows that young people are among the most vulnerable road users, yet their perspectives are often missing from mobility and urban design decisions. By equipping youth with data, digital tools, and opportunities to engage meaningfully, this program helps translate evidence into action, creating safer, more inclusive cities shaped by the people who experience them every day.”
Students were active contributors throughout the event. Through activities such as building models of their “City of Dreams,” facilitating interactive game booths, and participating in Youth Talk panel discussions, adolescents proposed practical solutions to improve safe mobility and urban environments in their communities, and shared their perspectives on the importance of including youth voices in order to improve youth well-being.
“This program made me think differently about my role in the city,” shared Nguyen Mi Linh, student from Luu Van Liet High school, age 16. “When young people are involved early, we grow up caring more about safety, our environment, and how our city develops in the future.” (the student’s name has been changed)
“During the event, youth leader groups from participating schools were introduced, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities to help turn ideas into action, supported by government institutions and civil society. When young people are equipped with the right skills, knowledge, and leadership opportunities, the nation benefits from a new generation of capable, engaged citizens ready to contribute to Vietnam’s development,” said Trinh Van Ngoan, Vinh Long Department of Education and Training.
The event concluded with musical performances and the announcement of creative booth results. More importantly, it marked the beginning of a long-term journey in which adolescents will continue to be supported with tools such as the Youth Engagement App (YEA) to reflect, propose co-created solutions, and actively contribute to building safer and more livable cities across the project’s target provinces.
“We are deeply impressed by this innovative approach that places students at the Center of Urban Development. By combining education with real-world engagement, this initiative empowers young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become active contributors to their communities,” said Mirjam Sidik, Chief Executive Officer at AIP Foundation. “We look forward to continued collaboration with partners and to witnessing how our students, when trained and supported, grow into responsible, engaged citizens who help shape safer and more livable cities for the future.”
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Créditos da imagem: Fundação AIP
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