Child Friendly Urban Spaces
The “Child friendly urban SPACES” guide by WHO, UNICEF and UN-Habitat launched on January 21, 2026.
Sudeshna Chatterjee, a good friend of Play Australia, was lead researcher and author, and the work is built on decades of research, and good practice on child friendly planning, urban design, policies and programs from the global north and south.
The guide introduces the SPACES framework to support more inclusive, greener and healthier urban environments for every child. It brings together evidence, principles and real-world city examples from diverse contexts, including planned, informal and crisis-affected settings, to show how even small-scale interventions in streets, parks, schoolyards and neighbourhoods can transform children’s everyday lives.
The guide is intended for local and national governments, urban planners and designers, civil society organizations, community leaders and all partners committed to making cities truly child-friendly. By using SPACES, decision-makers can plan investments, shape policies and mobilize partnerships that expand safe, quality public spaces where children can play, learn, socialize and thrive.
To access your copy
https://ceh.unicef.org/events-and-resources/knowledge-library/guide-creating-urban-public-spaces-children | 
