Building Momentum for Youth-Driven Public Space Programmes The Role of Creative Communication in S²Cities

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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.v10i1.1863
Keywords:
communication young people global campaign collaboration youth leadership public space social cohesion urban transformation

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Vanishree Herlekar
City Collab

Abstract

The Safe and Sound Cities (S2Cities) Programme is a global initiative aimed at improving the safety and well-being of young people in urban environments. Through collaboration with local governments, institutions, the private sector, community actors, and youth, S2Cities adopts a systems-wide approach to creating safer, more inclusive cities.
Phase I of the programme (2021–2024) was implemented in six cities across Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, and the Philippines, catalysing 28 youth-led initiatives, addressing each city’s unique challenges and opportunities, and empowering young people to contribute to the transformation of their urban environments.
Communication has been integral to the programme's success, playing a critical role in amplifying its innovative approaches, tangible impact, and transformative potential. Locally, creative communication strategies have engaged young people and mobilized support from decision-makers and communities, facilitating the implementation of on-ground initiatives. Globally, strategic communication has attracted funding, built trust, and forged partnerships, enabling the programme’s expansion to new cities and amplifying its impact.

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How to Cite
Herlekar, V. (2025) “Building Momentum for Youth-Driven Public Space Programmes: The Role of Creative Communication in S²Cities”, The Journal of Public Space, 10(1), pp. 151–160. doi: 10.32891/jps.v10i1.1863.
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025): Safe and Sound Cities
Section
Non Academic / Case study
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Author Biography

Vanishree Herlekar, City Collab

Vani Herlekar is an urban planner, educator, and communication strategist with twenty years of national and international experience in the urban planning, policy, and development space. She believes that the success of urban projects and policy change depends not just on good ideas and implementation, but also on effective communication that can demystify complex concepts, inspire engagement, and shape public and political opinion on key issues and agendas.
Vani is the Founder and Director of City Collab, the Global Communications Partner for the Safe and Sound Cities Programme. She brings demonstrated expertise in strategy and positioning, evidence-based communication, digital media, and designing collaborative engagement processes around urban issues.
At the intersection of cities and storytelling, Vani works with government agencies, academic institutions, urban design practices, NGOs, and community groups—helping them communicate effectively and engage meaningfully with their stakeholders.

References

GIB Foundation (2025, July 15). Catalysing Safety for LGBTQIA+ Youth in Basel. Safe and Sound Cities Programme. Unpublished

GIB Foundation (2025, March 20). S2Cities Update Presentation January-March 2025. Safe and Sound Cities Programme. Unpublished

GIB Foundation (2024, February 3). S2Cities Impact Report 2021-23. Safe and Sound Cities Programme.

GIB Foundation. (2022) Safe and Sound Cities [Online]. Available at: https://www.s2cities.org (Accessed: 10 March 2025)

Herlekar, V., Arondekar, S. and Lashkari, T. (2024) Empowering Young People to Build Alliances with Urban Actors to Create Safer Cities [Online]. Available at: https://www.s2cities.org/resources (Accessed: 20 July 2025)