Perspectives on Inclusivity in Urban Planning Part 2

Have you ever wondered what it really means for a city to be inclusive?When you think of inclusive urban design, what comes to mind?In our latest episode of The Informed Perspective, we sat down with three guests — Carolina Nery, Lesley Mashiri, and Ewelina Jaskulska — to unpack what makes a city truly inclusive, and how small shifts in urban design can lead to deep transformation in people's lives.Key Takeaways from the Episode:Carolina Nery highlights how young people, especially teens, often have nowhere safe to go after school. They get pushed out of commercial spaces, not because they're doing anything wrong — but because the city hasn’t made room for them. She calls for spaces for and by youth, where they can imprint their identity, feel seen, and just be.Lesley Mashiri challenges us to think not just about walkability and safety — but about economic and emotional proximity. In his words:“It's how many jobs, schools and services can I reach in 30 mins, if that number goes up, the total living costs go down.”He also shares how fatherhood has shifted his perspective: what does it mean for a girl — or anyone — to feel safe walking down their own street?Ewelina provokes reflection on gender and space: who gets to be visible, whose comfort is prioritized in public design, and how we must de-gender our spaces if we want a future that welcomes everyone.Why It MattersThis isn’t about idealism — it’s about urgency. We’re facing a time when community disconnection, spatial injustice, and structural inequality are leaving people behind — especially youth, women, migrants, and low-income families.A better city isn’t just “nicer.” It’s safer. It’s closer. It’s more human.A Call to Action: #justgivenanhourOur challenge to you :Give an hour to notice who your city includes — and who it leaves out.Give an hour to really listen to a teen, a parent, a neighbour.Give an hour (in whatever form your skills, means and time allow) to support a local community project or initiative.We all want to feel safe. We all want our kids to thrive. Sometimes change begins not with sweeping reforms — but with one hour of care, curiosity, or action.Let’s keep the conversation alive — in your inbox, in your neighbourhood, and on your block.Forward this to someone who needs to hear it. Awareness is contagious — and when more of us care, more of us act.Keep Informing those Perspectives! Get full access to The Informed Perspective at theinformedperspective.substack.com/subscribe