From Local Voices to Global Impact Crafting MEL for Youth-Led Placemaking in Cross-Country Programmes

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Cover image: Skateboard Park under the bridge located beside the Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei, Taiwan. Picture by Poh Soo Donald Soh
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Published: Oct 11, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32891/jps.v10i1.1854
Keywords:
Adaptive MEL youth participation placemaking cross-country programs participatory evaluation urban safety community-driven change

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Juan Carlos Muñoz Mora
Universidad EAFIT
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7304-8115
Estefany Peña Rojas
Universidad EAFIT
Andrés Felipe Sanchez Saldarriaga
Universidad EAFIT

Abstract

Urban youth-led placemaking programs present unique challenges in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) due to the diverse socio-political and cultural contexts in which they operate. Standardized evaluation frameworks often struggle to accommodate these variations, making it even more complex when working across multiple countries with distinct youth realities. This article advocates for an adaptive MEL framework, drawing from the S2Cities programme—a cross-country initiative integrating participatory methods with robust evaluation strategies. Key learnings highlight the necessity of real-time adaptation to local youth experiences, the need to balance standardized evaluation with localized indicators, and the critical role of young people as co-creators in MEL processes. These insights underscore the importance of a flexible yet rigorous framework that captures urban dynamics' evolving nature. By embedding adaptability into MEL, policymakers and practitioners can enhance the impact, relevance, and responsiveness of placemaking initiatives tailored to youth engagement.

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How to Cite
Muñoz Mora, J. C., Peña Rojas, E. and Sanchez Saldarriaga, A. F. (2025) “From Local Voices to Global Impact: Crafting MEL for Youth-Led Placemaking in Cross-Country Programmes”, The Journal of Public Space, 10(1), pp. 107–116. doi: 10.32891/jps.v10i1.1854.
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025): Safe and Sound Cities
Section
Academic
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Author Biographies

Juan Carlos Muñoz Mora, Universidad EAFIT

Juan Carlos Muñoz Mora is a development economist specializing in rural development, impact evaluation, and data science for applied economics. His expertise lies in understanding the dynamics of economic development and finding effective strategies to promote sustainable growth in vulnerables societies. He is passionate about using mixed method evidence-based approaches to inform policy decisions and drive positive change.
He believes that development should be inclusive and equitable, empowering communities to become self-sufficient and fostering economic opportunities for all. His work is guided by the principles of social justice and sustainable development, aiming to create a better future for individuals and societies.
He is a Professor of Development Economics and Chair of Policy and Development at Universidad EAFIT-Colombia. He is also a Research Associate at Institute of Development Studies (UK).

Estefany Peña Rojas, Universidad EAFIT

Estefany Peña-Rojas is a social impact researcher with a Master’s degree in Economics and expertise in mixed-methods evaluation of social programmes across multicultural and multi-country contexts. She has worked extensively in the design and implementation of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems that prioritise inclusive, participatory, and context-sensitive approaches. Her work bridges rigorous quantitative analysis with qualitative insights to understand complex social dynamics and inform decision-making in public policy and development initiatives. She is particularly committed to advancing youth engagement, urban equity, and sustainable development through evidence-based strategies.

Andrés Felipe Sanchez Saldarriaga, Universidad EAFIT

Economist with a Master’s and Ph.D. in Economics, specializing in urban economics, economic development, and rural development, Andrés Felipe Sanchez-Saldarriaga has extensive experience in applied research and consulting, particularly in the design, implementation, and impact evaluation of public policies and development programs. His work focuses on producing actionable evidence to inform decision-making, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess interventions in diverse territorial contexts. He has collaborated with governments, international organizations, and research institutions on projects aimed at reducing spatial inequalities, promoting inclusive economic growth, and strengthening rural-urban linkages. His approach integrates rigorous economic analysis with a deep understanding of local development dynamics, combining academic knowledge with field-based insights. He is particularly interested in how place-based strategies, institutional arrangements, and participatory approaches can contribute to sustainable and equitable development outcomes.

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