Deadline: 31-May-2026
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is seeking an implementing partner for a demonstration public space intervention at Polideportivo La Grecia in Armenia, Quindío, Colombia, under the Young Gamechangers Initiative (YGI). The project focuses on participatory urban transformation, youth engagement, inclusive public spaces, and sustainable urban development.
The selected partner will implement a tactical and practical urbanism intervention designed to improve public space quality, strengthen community ownership, and promote environmental sustainability. The project has a maximum value of USD 42,000 and an estimated implementation period of three months starting in June 2026.
Project Focus Areas
Participatory Urban Transformation
The initiative promotes:
- Community-led urban development
- Youth participation in city planning
- Collaborative public space design
- Community ownership of urban spaces
Tactical and Practical Urbanism
The project supports:
- Temporary and adaptable urban interventions
- Public space improvements
- Community activation activities
- Human-centered urban design
Inclusive and Safe Public Spaces
The intervention should ensure:
- Accessibility for diverse users
- Gender-sensitive urban design
- Safe and welcoming environments
- Inclusive participation processes
Environmental Sustainability and Urban Resilience
Projects are encouraged to integrate:
- Nature-based solutions
- Climate-responsive design
- Efficient material use
- Green urban infrastructure
- Urban resilience strategies
Project Location and Duration
- Location: Polideportivo La Grecia, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
- Project duration: Approximately 3 months
- Expected start date: June 2026
- Maximum project value: USD 42,000
The project will be managed by the UN-Habitat Andean Countries HUB.
Responsibilities of the Implementing Partner
The selected organization will be responsible for:
- Preparing a detailed budget and work plan
- Procuring construction materials and urban elements
- Managing implementation and construction works
- Coordinating with contractors and community stakeholders
- Facilitating participatory community activities
- Ensuring legal and safety compliance
- Producing communication and documentation materials
The intervention will build on architectural proposals previously developed by UN-Habitat and EVA Studio.
Community Participation Requirements
The project strongly emphasizes collaborative implementation and local participation.
Activities should include:
- Inclusive community dialogue sessions
- Youth engagement activities
- Coordination with public authorities
- Participation of local organizations and residents
- Community activation events
The goal is to encourage long-term ownership and proper use of the improved public space.
Gender and Inclusion Approach
A gender-sensitive and differential approach must be integrated throughout the project.
The intervention should:
- Ensure equitable participation
- Support accessibility for all users
- Address the needs of women, youth, children, and older adults
- Promote inclusive and welcoming public spaces
Expected Outputs
The implementing partner is expected to deliver:
- A detailed implementation budget and timeline
- Full construction and delivery of the intervention
- One community activation activity
- Final technical and narrative reports
- Photographic and audiovisual documentation
- Lessons learned and replication recommendations
Why This Initiative Matters
The Young Gamechangers Initiative promotes youth-led urban transformation and sustainable public space development in Colombia. The project creates opportunities to:
- Strengthen community resilience
- Improve urban well-being
- Promote inclusive city development
- Test replicable urban innovation models
- Encourage civic participation and social inclusion
The initiative also supports practical learning for future urban development projects across other cities and communities.
Who Can Apply?
The call seeks organizations capable of managing participatory urban interventions and community-based implementation processes.
Potential applicants may include:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Urban development organizations
- Community-based organizations
- Public space and architecture groups
- Civil society organizations
- Social innovation organizations
Applicants should demonstrate experience in:
- Tactical urbanism
- Community participation
- Urban development projects
- Stakeholder coordination
- Construction or public space implementation
How to Apply
Interested organizations should:
- Prepare a detailed implementation methodology
- Develop a project budget and work schedule
- Explain community participation strategies
- Demonstrate experience in urban interventions
- Outline sustainability and inclusion approaches
- Submit the expression of interest according to UN-Habitat requirements
Strong applications should highlight:
- Participatory implementation experience
- Youth engagement capacity
- Environmental sustainability strategies
- Local partnership networks
- Communication and documentation expertise
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak community participation plans
- Incomplete implementation schedules
- Limited stakeholder coordination strategy
- Lack of inclusion and accessibility measures
- Insufficient sustainability planning
FAQ
What is the maximum project value?
The maximum proposed project value is USD 42,000.
Where will the intervention take place?
The project will be implemented at Polideportivo La Grecia in Armenia, Quindío, Colombia.
How long is the project duration?
The estimated duration is three months starting in June 2026.
What type of intervention is required?
The project focuses on tactical and practical urbanism interventions to improve public spaces.
Does the project require community participation?
Yes, community participation and youth engagement are central components of the initiative.
Are environmental sustainability measures required?
Yes, the project encourages climate-responsive design and nature-based solutions.
Conclusion
The UN-Habitat Young Gamechangers Initiative in Colombia offers an important opportunity for organizations working in urban development, community participation, and sustainable public space design. Through tactical urbanism and youth-led engagement, the programme aims to create safer, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable public spaces while generating replicable urban transformation models for other communities.
For more information, visit UN-Habitat.