Recognized for Expanding Child Participation and Institutionalizing Child Impact Assessments
Gangdong District in Seoul (District Mayor Lee Soohee) has become the first autonomous district to receive the higher-level reaccreditation as a UNICEF Child-Friendly City. This officially recognizes the district's policy capabilities in reflecting children's rights throughout all administrative processes.
Gangdong District is taking a commemorative photo to celebrate the reaccreditation of the UNICEF Child-Friendly City at an advanced level. Provided by Gangdong District.
The higher-level reaccreditation is the highest certification granted by UNICEF. It is awarded only to local governments that meet the criteria based on a comprehensive review of the five evaluation areas of the UNICEF Child-Friendly City initiative. The certification is given to municipalities that have established systems, policies, and administrative structures to ensure that children’s rights, based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), are realized throughout the community.
Gangdong District first received the UNICEF Child-Friendly City certification in 2017 and obtained the higher-level certification in 2021. Since then, the district has continued efforts such as systematizing policy development from a children's rights perspective, effectively operating child and youth participation bodies, establishing the child impact assessment system, creating child-friendly spaces and environments, and promoting child policies based on interdepartmental cooperation.
In this reaccreditation, the district received high marks for its broad guarantee of child participation, including the operation of the "Dream Future Seed Policy Group" for children under the age of eight. The district was also recognized for establishing a structure in which the opinions of children and youth are reflected in actual policies and projects. Institutionalizing child impact assessments and operating a stable governance system were also highlighted as exemplary practices.
Lee Soohee, Mayor of Gangdong District, stated, "This higher-level reaccreditation is the result of Gangdong District’s consistent efforts to reflect children's rights throughout all administrative processes," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that children's voices are faithfully reflected in policies and to create a city where all children can grow up healthy, safe, and happy."
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