Public spaces to play are important to children's health and development and are a core right. Yet with increasing urbanization, access to public spaces to play is shrinking, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This guide, developed by UN-Habitat, WHO and UNICEF, highlights the importance of public spaces for optimizing children's health and well-being, and realizing their comprehensive rights. It provides support for practitioners in developing and improving public…

​​Originally established in 2011 following the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the Shanghai Manual serves as a practical guide for mayors and urban practitioners advancing sustainable urban development. The Manual has been shaped by the principles of both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda, positioning it as a key resource in the global ambition of achieving sustainable cities. 

​As digitalisation rapidly reshapes urban life across health, education,…

This Urban Street Design Manual offers context-sensitive guidance for creating safer, more inclusive, and people-friendly streets in Afghan cities. It outlines key street elements, design principles, and practical solutions to support sustainable mobility, improve accessibility, and enhance the urban environment for all users.

The Shanghai Manual 2024 Annual Report showcases globally implemented urban best practices that present urban actors with innovative solutions to help cities navigate the complex challenges that they face today. Following the theme of ‘youth leading climate and local action for cities’, the report explores the potential of young people as urban change makers with a particular regard to climate action and urban environmental sustainability.