Speaker
Description
The concept of Child-Friendly Cities (CFC) was formally adopted as a nationwide urban development goal in China in 2021, more than two decades after UNICEF introduced it. Following the launch of the national CFC initiative and the selection of pilot cities, many cities have embraced CFC as a developmental strategy, issuing spatial plans aimed at enhancing urban inclusiveness and liveability. This paper examines the differences in the application of the CFC concept between China and Western countries and explores emerging priorities in CFC construction. By evaluating planning policies in six Chinese cities across four dimensions—purpose, context, tools, and objects—the study highlights divergent interpretations of CFCs in practice, reflecting varying understandings of children’s needs and corresponding planning responses. As an "imported" concept, CFCs in China are characterized by a strong focus on physical infrastructure, including childcare facilities, basic education, and recreational spaces. However, poor alignment of the CFC framework with local contexts, as well as a lack of critical analysis, risks limiting its public value and long-term impact. Based on these findings, this paper argues for rethinking the rationale and motivations behind CFC initiatives. Rather than treating CFC as a universal goal driven by moral or political considerations, it should be adapted to local contexts, accounting for factors such as a city’s development stage, size, and unique potential.
| Keywords | Child-friendly Cities(CFC); spatial planning; China; planning policies; urban inclusiveness |
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| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
