Child Friendly Cities Initiative in France: A Successful 2020–2026 Municipal Cycle
Since 2002, UNICEF France has mobilized French cities to guarantee child rights across their territories. Between 2020 and 2026, the 300 participating cities strengthened the role of children in local policies and achieved strong results.
For the first time in France, a consistent analysis of the achievements of the 300 cities involved in the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) between 2020 and 2026 was conducted by an independent organization. This analysis measured local authorities’ engagement in children’s rights and identified good practices. The results show strong momentum in the fight against child poverty, early childhood development, gender equality, and protection from violence:
- Regarding school meals, 74% of Child Friendly Cities apply degressive pricing based on the family quotient. Twenty‑six cities go further by offering free meals for children living in extreme poverty. In Avignon, for example, the “canteen for all” program provides more than 500 children with free meals.
- 63% of Child Friendly Cities committed to gender equality have adapted their services and public policies to increase girls’ access.
- 63% of Child Friendly Cities engaged in early childhood issues have created information, sharing, listening, and support spaces dedicated to supporting parenting.
- 66% of Child Friendly Cities involved in quality education have supported the educational success of children.
- 64% of Child Friendly Cities committed to fighting violence against children have carried out awareness‑raising activities among adults and children. In Colomiers, primary school children worked on the issue of bullying, resulting in the creation of a song that has become a valuable awareness‑raising tool. 58% of cities trained professionals to identify signs of violence and report them.
Results are particularly positive regarding child participation: 92% of Child Friendly Cities report that they take children’s voices into account in their decision‑making.
65% of them have created or strengthened a body dedicated to child and youth participation - more than 20% above the national average.
Some cities have developed innovative, user‑friendly formats promoting direct dialogue between children and city representatives: in Luxeuil‑les‑Bains, “citizen snacks” allow children to express their ideas and needs in an accessible format.
Finally, Child Friendly Cities took part in several events and initiatives organized by UNICEF France, such as UNIday (162 cities) or the UNICEF Youth Literature Award (127 cities). 65% of Child Friendly Cities contributed to national events such as thematic workshops, national meetings, technical committees, or the UNICEF France national consultations; and thirteen Child Friendly Cities are involved in the Child Friendly Schools program, reinforcing educational continuity between cities and schools.
Heading for 2026–2032: strengthening the dynamic
These results show Child Friendly Cities’ strong commitment to children’s rights and demonstrate local governments’ ability to innovate to meet children’s needs. In this perspective, UNICEF France will launch a new local dynamic for children for the 2026-2032 municipal cycle. It will provide cities and municipalities already in the CFCI network with a simplified procedure to renew their recognition, while also opening the door to new municipalities ready to mobilize for children’s rights.
