Suwon Renews Higher-Level 'UNICEF Child-Friendly City' Certification...Ninth Nationwide, First in Gyeonggi Province

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Special City announced on the 17th that it renewed its 'UNICEF Child-Friendly City Higher Level' certification on the 15th, becoming the ninth city nationwide and the first in Gyeonggi Province.

Suwon, which received 'Child-Friendly City' certification from the Korea Committee for UNICEF in September 2017, obtained the 'UNICEF Child-Friendly City Higher Level' certification in May 2022.

A child-friendly city refers to a city where all children under 18 enjoy their rights fully and a city suitable for children and youth to live in. The Korea Committee for UNICEF certifies communities that practice the fundamental spirit of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as child-friendly cities.

Following the certification, the Korea Committee for UNICEF evaluated changes and implementation results over four years, and recognizing meaningful achievements, certified the higher-level renewal. The certification is valid for four years (June 15, 2026 - June 14, 2030). After a four-year evaluation period, it must be renewed again.

The city has consistently promoted child-friendly city projects over the past four years to create a city suitable for children to live in.

Major projects include amendments to the 'Suwon Child-Friendly City Development Ordinance', Suwon Child-Friendliness Survey, roundtable discussions on child policy, and the 'I LOVE Kids' campaign with citizens.

Based on the child-friendliness survey, child policy roundtable discussions, and child impact assessments, the city has established and is implementing the 'Third Basic Plan for Child-Friendly City Development (2026-2029)'.

The Third Basic Plan for Child-Friendly City Development, which sets the vision of 'Suwon, a city where children's rights are central', consists of four strategic directions: a safe city where children's safety and care are guaranteed, a participatory city where children's voices are reflected in policy, an inclusive city where all children grow together, and a future city where technology and emotion coexist.