Youth are key to the prosperity of cities in the developing world, yet many barriers prevent them from fulfilling this role - most notably access to education, vocational training, and employment. It is crucial that governments and institutions assist youth to overcome these barriers by facilitating equitable access to education and employment.

The evaluation of the UN-Habitat Youth Programme was mandated by UN-Habitat Governing Council resolution 21/6, which, among other things, requested the Executive Director to establish the Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-led Development, and undertake an evaluation of the operation of the special fund and to submit a report thereon to the Governing Council at its twenty-third session in April 2011.

The main objectives of the evaluation were to:

• Assess the relevance of the work carried out by UN-Habitat with urban youth
• To review the integration of youth issues in the normative and operational work of UN-Habitat
• To evaluate the operations of the Urban Youth Fund
• To review the normative and operational performance of the youth empowerment initiatives of UN-Habitat

This paper summarizes the outcome of an international conference on addressing the issue of urban youth in conflict with the law in Africa. It discusses the most effective responses to youth crime and violence which centre on prevention and inclusion (especially of youth in government) rather than exclusion, punishment and incarceration.

It also highlights the key role for local governments in developing effective local responses that draw in and support all key local actors (parents, schools, police, businesses).

This policy paper forms part of UN-HABITAT’S Global Campaign on Urban Governance. The Campaign fosters the implementation of the Habitat Agenda goal of achieving sustainable human settlements in an urbanising world. Improving urban governance has been recognised internationally as one of the crucial steps towards the eradication of poverty.

The Campaign’s aim, therefore, is to raise awareness of, and advocate for, good urban governance around the world, and to increase the capacity of local governments and other stakeholders to practice good governance in urban settings.

The special needs of children and young people have to be part of urban development and planning - from the beginning and not as an afterthought. Children and young people must be listened to. They must be allowed to take an active role in the community and local life, and have a say in the decisions that will affect their lives and futures.

Architects and city planners can best make a difference if they work together with local stakeholders and the community. These were some of the points discussed by the speakers at the seminar "A Better Childhood in the City".

Violent crime and delinquency threaten the quality of life of urban dwellers in Dar es Salaam. During the 1990’s the annual crime increase in Dar es Salaam was 8,1%. Not only does this divert scarce resources from urban social development, but it also constitutes a serious impediment to the city’s economic development. Globally, crime patterns are changing.Offenders are getting younger and violent crime is becoming more common.

Previous research indicates that violence and crime in urban areas is escalating. The roots of such violence may not be clearly understood but declining incomes and work opportunities,and the consequent frustration, particularly for youth, are important factors. Violence, crime and anti-social behaviour are thought to be products of social inequality, social exclusionand a lack of institutional and social control.