Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry has represented Cardiff at the inaugural Tokyo Global Forum on Children, reinforcing the city's position as the UK's first and only UNICEF Child Friendly City.

The international gathering, hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, focused on initiatives that place children's voices at the heart of policy, with a particular emphasis on play and participation.

Delivering a keynote presentation titled "Incorporating the Voices of Children in Creating Playgrounds and Opportunities to Play", Cllr Merry highlighted Cardiff's pioneering approach to embedding children's right to play in urban planning and policy.

She shared Cardiff's Play Sufficiency Duty, which legally requires local authorities to assess and enhance play opportunities, and showcased successful local projects such as:

• Engaging 1,000 children in shaping Cardiff's new 15-year Local Development Plan (LDP), ensuring play is prioritised in urban development.
• The creation of child-designed play spaces through Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG 2026), ensuring new developments include opportunities for play.
• Initiatives such as Street Play, Play Lanes, and Park Activations, co-designed with children, to transform Cardiff into a more playable city.

Cllr Merry also engaged with global leaders and experts, discussing best practices in child-led urban development and advocating for play as a fundamental right. Cardiff's participation strengthens its international collaboration, ensuring the city continues to innovate in child-friendly policy and design.

Reflecting on the visit, Cllr Sarah Merry said:"Cardiff is proud to be the UK's first UNICEF Child Friendly City, and play is a key part of our commitment to children's rights. This forum has been an invaluable opportunity to share our work on a global stage and learn from cities that share our vision.

"Children's voices must be embedded in decision-making at all levels, and Cardiff will continue to lead the way in ensuring that play is prioritised in planning, policy, and practice."

The Tokyo Global Forum on Children provided a platform for cities worldwide to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and commit to policies that prioritise children's needs. Cardiff's involvement cements its reputation as a leader in children's rights-based urban planning and reinforces its dedication to building a city that plays, grows, and thrives with children at its heart.

For more information about Child Friendly Cardiff please visitChild Friendly Cardiff

Travel and accommodation costs associated with the trip were met by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.