Child-friendly municipality

Vaasa set five concrete goals for its Child-Friendly Municipality work: 

1. Creating clear guidelines to support the introduction and systematic implementation of child impact assessments (LAVA). Child impact assessments are conducted by a collaborative team of qualified professionals.  
2. As part of their induction programmes, municipal staff and key stakeholders have received training in children’s rights. 
3. The municipality promotes opportunities for all children and young people to  take part in hobbies  and enjoy meaningful leisure activities. 
4. Public transport routes and timetables, as well as the maintenance of cycle paths, are improved. 
5. The municipality has a range of structures in place to support participation and take into account the views of children and young people of all ages when planning and developing services. 

The recognition is awarded once all the goals outlined in the action plan have been achieved. 

Child-Friendly Municipality work closely linked to the city’s strategy

UNICEF Finland particularly commends Vaasa for the following aspects of its Child-Friendly Municipality work: 

• “Vaasa has integrated the Child-Friendly Municipality work into the city’s 2026–2030 strategy. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects strong political commitment and effective collaboration.”

• “Vaasa has piloted the child impact assessment model, collaborated on it with the Youth Council, provided information and training to city staff, and embedded the model into the city’s operations.”

• “Vaasa has provided a wide range of cultural and sports activities for children from diverse backgrounds. There is a clear focus on supporting children in vulnerable situations.”

• “Vaasa has addressed the issues in local public transport raised by children. We particularly commend Vaasa for the collaboration between the Education and Cultural Sector and the Public Utility Services.”

• “Vaasa has successfully embedded practices that strengthen the participation of children and young people, such as the children’s panel, Children’s Voice Day, and participatory budgeting.”

The City of Vaasa began its Child-Friendly Municipality process in 2022. The recognition now awarded, is valid for two years. 

The recognition does not mean that Vaasa’s work for children’s rights is complete; we remain committed to further developing child-friendliness and promoting children’s rights.

We will continue our Child-Friendly Municipality work into a second two-year action plan period, starting with an update of the current status. We will also continue to advance the goals of the first term.

Objectives for the Child-Friendly Municipality work

A Child-Friendly Municipality seeks to ensure the following:

• Every child feels valued.
• Every child lives in safety.
• Every child enjoys access to recreational activities.
• Every child has friends and reliable adult support.
• Every child has a voice in decision-making.
• Every child’s perspective is considered in municipal planning.

Lasting improvements instead of momentary help

The Child-Friendly Municipality model drives enduring changes in municipal operations, resulting in tangible enhancements to leisure activities and decision-making processes prioritising children’s welfare.

Central to this approach is the development of a municipal ethos that places children’s well-being and rights at the forefront of all activities and decision-making processes.

The Child-Friendly Municipality model aligns with Finland’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Read more about the Child-Friendly Municipality model on the website of UNICEF.

Mapping of the state of child-friendly infrastructures was performed by the end of 2022

By the end of 2022, Vaasa had completed an extensive assessment of its child-friendly infrastructure. This evaluation, informed by children’s experiences, model child rights indicators, and existing insights into child well-being within the city, provided a comprehensive overview. The assessment, conducted throughout 2022, considered all individuals under the age of 18.

Consulting the children, action plan, and objectives for the year 2023

Throughout 2023, Vaasa and UNICEF collaborated to establish objectives and strategies for their Child-Friendly Municipality initiatives, culminating in an action plan derived from the assessment’s findings. Additionally, consultations with children and young people were conducted during this period.

Adoption, implementation, and monitoring of the 2024 Action Plan

UNICEF approved the City of Vaasa’s Action Plan in January 2024. The Action Plan and the concrete measures to achieve its objectives will be implemented in cooperation with sub-groups from the city organisation.

Evaluation and recognition in 2025

UNICEF Finland has recognised the City of Vaasa as a Child-Friendly Municipality 23.12.2025.