What happens when we design cities through the eyes of a child?

In this inspiring episode of Podparks, host Maria Burnett is joined by Cecilia Vaca Jones, Senior Advisor to the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and former Executive Director of the Van Leer Foundation, the organisation behind Urban95. A passionate advocate for children’s wellbeing, Cecilia shares how childhood memories, evidence-based policy, and citizen participation can transform urban life.

Together, they explore how investing in children creates cities that work better for everyone — from the elderly to families, women, and people with disabilities. Cecilia reflects on her experiences across Ecuador, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, offering practical and hopeful ideas for shaping inclusive, playful, and people-centred cities.

Highlights include:

• How childhood experiences inspire Cecilia’s global work on parks and public space
• Why designing for babies and children creates inclusive cities for all
• The four pillars of child-friendly urban design: proximity, mobility, design, and participation
• How public policy must go beyond numbers to focus on behaviours and use of space
• Why investing in vulnerable communities is key to equity and social cohesion
• A vision of thriving, playful, sustainable cities in 2040

🎧 Listeners are encouraged to add their perspectives: email research@worldurbanparks.org to share your own story or response to the conversation.

Featured Guests

Cecilia Vaca Jones

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About PodParks

PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.

🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team

Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa | Cynthia Hernández Martínez | Boris Solis

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