Potsdam launches new action plan for a child-friendly future!

Potsdam launches new action plan for a child-friendly future!

On July 2, 2025, Potsdam took a significant step towards youth support. With the new action plan “Child and youth-friendly municipality Potsdam 2025-2028”, a comprehensive program was adopted that focuses on the interests of young people. The aim is to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child more strongly at the local level and to make the voices of children and young people heard. Stefanie Buhr, the responsible representative for children and youth interests, emphasizes how important the real participation of the youngest is.

The action plan includes a total of 24 projects, which are divided into four central areas of action. A central point is the systematic anchoring of child and youth-friendliness in the city's mission statement and in the strategic goals of the administration. In order to better understand the realities of young people's lives, regular surveys are planned, the results of which flow directly into youth welfare planning and urban development. Potsdam has had the “Child-Friendly Municipality” seal since 2017, which is awarded by the Child-Friendly Municipalities Association. V. is awarded, supported by UNICEF Germany and the German Children's Fund.

Active participation by young people

In order to receive the seal, municipalities like Potsdam must develop clear measures that arise from active dialogue with young people. This is also evident in other cities, such as Regensburg, where young people have put forward their concerns about improving local public transport and infrastructure in participation processes. These demands included the introduction of buses suitable for the old town, a night bus service on weekends and the opening of pedestrian zones for bicycles.

The city of Regensburg has responded to the needs of its young population and permanently implemented the proposed measures after test phases. These decisions not only benefited the young people, but also all citizens of the city, who now benefit from improved mobility options. An example that shows how important the voices of young people are in shaping their city.

The fact that Potsdam is now taking a similar path is a good step towards promoting the interests of children and young people, which not only finds local acceptance, but can also serve as a role model for other municipalities. After all, the youngest people have a right to help shape things and to be heard.

If you would like to find out more about the new action plan, you can find out more on the official website of the city of Potsdam: Potsdam action plan. The “Child-Friendly Communities” project also offers interesting insights and successes: Child-friendly communities.