The purpose of this paper is to outline UN-Habitat’s approach to using information and communication technology (ICT) as an enabler to encourage youth participation in urban design and governance. In 2012 UN-Habitat started working with Mojang, the makers of the popular computer game Minecraft. Through the partnership with Mojang, Block by Block, UN-Habitat uses Minecraft to involve youth in the design of urban public spaces. In participatory design workshops, young people are brought together to visualize their ideas in Minecraft, and present these to city authorities and local government officials. UN-Habitat and local implementing partners then work with local governments to implement the ideas generated through the Minecraft process in real life.
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