Putting children first : evaluating local councils' commitment in moving towards child-centric urban environments

Abstract

This dissertation explores how Maltese local councils prioritise children’s well-being in urban planning, focusing on access to nature, walkability, playability, social connectedness, and a sense of agency. It begins with a literature review to identify key elements of child-friendly cities and analyses successful local and international case studies. The research addresses a critical question: whether Maltese local councils are genuinely committed to fostering child-centric urban environments and to what extent children are actively involved in related decision-making processes. Using a qualitative approach, the study features semi-structured interviews with a stakeholder (former president, Dr Marie Louise Coleiro Preca) and sixteen mayors from various Maltese local councils to gather insights on child-centric strategies. It identifies factors contributing to the success of these strategies and barriers faced by local councils that do not implement them. Interview locations were selected based on themes from the literature review and the interviews were transcribed and coded using ATLAS.ti to identify patterns. Findings are compared with existing literature to develop practical recommendations for local councils, policymakers, and urban planners. This study reveals both progress and persistent challenges in promoting child-centric urban development in Malta, underscoring the need for increased resources, systematic support and a collaboration across local councils, policymakers and communities. By prioritising children’s needs in urban planning, these insights aim to inspire more inclusive, sustainable environments that foster children’s well-being and active participation.