Deadline: 14-Jun-2026
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is seeking an implementing partner to carry out a demonstration public space intervention in Calle 12N “La Peatonal” in Armenia, Quindío, Colombia, under the Young Gamechangers Initiative (YGI).
The project aims to improve the quality, accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability of a key pedestrian corridor through youth-led and community-driven urban transformation activities. The intervention will implement design proposals developed through participatory processes and demonstrate innovative approaches to public space revitalization.
About the Project
The project forms part of the global Young Gamechangers Initiative (YGI), implemented by UN-Habitat in partnership with Fundación Botnar and local stakeholders.
The initiative promotes young people as active agents of urban transformation and supports collaborative planning processes that incorporate community perspectives into the design, improvement, and activation of public spaces.
The selected implementing partner will transform Calle 12N “La Peatonal” through tactical urbanism interventions that enhance public life, environmental quality, accessibility, and community engagement.
Focus Areas
The project focuses on:
- Participatory urban transformation
- Youth-led urban development
- Environmental sustainability
- Social inclusion
- Urban well-being
- Community ownership of public spaces
- Accessibility improvements
- Public safety
- Environmental quality enhancement
- Multifunctional public spaces
- Social cohesion
- Nature-based solutions
- Local economic participation
- Gender-sensitive approaches
- Inclusive urban design
- Community activation
- Public space revitalization
Purpose of the Project
The initiative aims to:
- Improve the quality of public spaces
- Enhance accessibility and urban comfort
- Promote sustainable urban development
- Strengthen local identity
- Foster community participation
- Encourage youth leadership in city development
- Increase environmental performance of public spaces
- Support inclusive and safe urban environments
- Strengthen social interaction and community cohesion
Funding Information
Funding details include:
- Maximum grant value of USD 30,000
- Project duration of three months
- Expected project start in June 2026
Project Location
The intervention will take place in:
- Calle 12N “La Peatonal”
- Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
About the location:
- Armenia is the capital of Quindío
- It is located within Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape
- The corridor serves important commercial, social, and cultural functions
- The site experiences significant pedestrian activity
- The location provides an opportunity to demonstrate inclusive and sustainable public space transformation
Key Project Activities
The selected implementing partner will be responsible for:
- Implementing approved architectural designs
- Implementing approved urban design proposals
- Preparing a detailed project budget
- Developing an implementation methodology
- Creating a work plan
- Preparing a construction schedule
- Procuring project materials
- Coordinating with local authorities
- Engaging stakeholders throughout implementation
- Facilitating community participation activities
- Integrating accessibility measures
- Incorporating nature-based solutions
- Ensuring legal compliance
- Ensuring occupational safety compliance
- Documenting lessons learned
Community Participation Requirements
Community involvement is a central element of the project.
Activities should promote:
- Resident participation
- Youth engagement
- Collaboration with local organizations
- Community ownership of public spaces
- Inclusive decision-making processes
- Public space activation activities
The project encourages:
- Local procurement
- Hiring of local labor
- Participation of community groups
- Sustainable local economic benefits
Expected Outcomes
The intervention is expected to contribute to:
- Improved public space quality
- Increased accessibility
- Enhanced environmental conditions
- Stronger social cohesion
- Greater community ownership
- Improved pedestrian experiences
- Increased youth participation in urban development
- Demonstration of sustainable urban design practices
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants should be capable of:
- Managing public space improvement projects
- Coordinating construction and implementation activities
- Facilitating community engagement processes
- Working with local authorities and stakeholders
- Managing project budgets and reporting requirements
- Delivering urban development initiatives within established timelines
Importance of the Project
The project demonstrates how youth-led and community-centered approaches can create more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant urban spaces.
Key benefits include:
- Revitalization of an important public corridor
- Improved accessibility and usability
- Stronger community participation
- Enhanced environmental sustainability
- Increased social inclusion
- Promotion of local economic activity
- Support for innovative urban development practices
- Strengthening of youth leadership in city transformation
Application Tips
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- Experience with urban development projects
- Capacity to manage construction activities
- Expertise in community participation processes
- Knowledge of accessibility standards
- Experience integrating nature-based solutions
- Strong stakeholder coordination skills
- Effective project management systems
- Understanding of inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches
Common Application Mistakes
Applications may be weakened by:
- Limited experience in public space projects
- Weak community engagement strategies
- Insufficient implementation planning
- Lack of accessibility considerations
- Poor stakeholder coordination plans
- Incomplete budget information
- Failure to address sustainability objectives
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Young Gamechangers Initiative?
- A global UN-Habitat initiative that promotes youth as active agents of urban transformation.
- A programme implemented in partnership with Fundación Botnar and local stakeholders.
Where will the project be implemented?
- Calle 12N “La Peatonal” in Armenia, Quindío, Colombia.
What is the maximum grant amount available?
- Up to USD 30,000.
How long will the project last?
- Three months.
When is implementation expected to begin?
- June 2026.
What are the main focus areas of the project?
- Public space revitalization.
- Youth-led urban transformation.
- Accessibility improvements.
- Environmental sustainability.
- Community participation.
- Social inclusion.
- Nature-based solutions.
What responsibilities will the selected partner have?
- Implementing the approved intervention.
- Managing procurement and construction activities.
- Coordinating with stakeholders.
- Facilitating community engagement.
- Ensuring legal and safety compliance.
- Documenting project outcomes and lessons learned.
Conclusion
The UN-Habitat Young Gamechangers Initiative offers an opportunity for organizations to lead a demonstration public space transformation project in Armenia, Colombia. With funding of up to USD 30,000, the initiative will showcase how participatory planning, youth leadership, accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement can contribute to more inclusive, vibrant, and resilient urban spaces.
For more information, visit UN-Habitat.