Curious Cities Assembly 2026 is a new gathering of elected leaders, advocates and experts focused on making cities safer, healthier and more liveable, while tackling the climate crisis. Through the lens of children’s curiosity, we’ll explore evidence-led, practical steps so that everyone can move with independence, not car dependence.
The event will take place in central London on 24 – 25 June (9.15 – 17.30). The Assembly is being produced by Clean Cities in partnership with the Town and Country Planning Association, Lab of Thought, Mums for Lungs, Live + Breathe and Solve The School Run.
A city that works for children works for all of us
Our cities and streets are increasingly hostile places for children. The freedom of young people to move independently is eroding, impacting their health, confidence and social connections. Meanwhile, screen time is rising – this is no coincidence.
Safer, child-friendly streets would tackle all of this at once; to the benefit of everyone. Curious Cities Assembly will focus on turning evidence into action, sharing new research, showcasing success and building the political confidence needed to scale change across cities.
Keynotes:
- Chris Boardman MBE (National Active Travel Commissioner for England)
- Amahra Spence (Hood Futures Studio)
- Rachel Harper (St. Patrick’s National School & founder of It Takes a Village)
- Prof. Scarlett McNally OBE (NHS /BMJ Columnist)
Day 1 – 24 June: Active Childhoods & New Neighbourhoods
Exploring how streets, transport and neighbourhood design can support children’s health, independence and play.
- Dinah Bornat, ZCD Architects, author of All to Play For
- Areli Carréon, Bicitekas (Mexico)
- Dr. Nikhil Chaudhary, University of Cambridge
- Harriett Grant, Social affairs and human rights journalist
- Professor Chris Griffiths, Queen Mary University of London
- Dr. Amit Patel, Disability rights campaigner and author of Kika & Me
Day 2 – 25 June: Barriers to Independence & Streets for Kids
Examining solutions, policies and interventions to make cities safer and more child-friendly.
- Tim Gill, Independent Scholar and author of Urban Playground
- Jemima Hartshorn, Mums for Lungs
- Maya Mailer, Our Kids Climate
- Chiara Molinar, City of Paris
- Will Norman, London’s Walking & Cycling Commissioner
- Demetrio Scopelliti, AMAT, City of Milan
- Cecilia Vaca Jones, Breathe Cities
- Professor Ian Walker, Swansea University
Evening reception – 25 June
Assembly attendees are invited to join grassroots groups and decision makers for an evening of networking at an iconic venue as part of London Climate Action Week.
- 18:30 – 21:00
- Central London (exact location shared after registration)
Register
Spaces are free but limited. Click here to register your interest – you will receive email confirmation if your place is confirmed.
The TCPA is working with partners in the built environment sector to explore an inclusive approach to place-making that re-centres, engages, supports and promotes the rights of the child. Find out more
