UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has highlighted the role of young people in driving climate action and shaping urban futures, and called for empowering them to accelerate global sustainable development progress. In his message to mark World Cities Day, which is observed annually on October 31, Guterres said, we recognise the role of young people in driving climate action and shaping urban futures. He underscored that with more than half of the world’s population and 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, cities are at the forefront of the climate crisis. And they need the energy and vision of youth leading the charge for change. Guterres called for nations to amplify voices of youth, invest in their ideas, and promote their meaningful participation in urban decision-making.