An overview of enhancing children's urban liveability in Algeria: A holistic approach to well-being

Abstract

Despite the growing body of literature on Children's Urban Liveability (CUL) in recent years, most studies remain fragmented, focusing on individual themes such as safety, education, or public spaces, without addressing how these aspects interconnect. Moreover, existing comprehensive CUL frameworks are largely developed in high-income countries, with little consideration of their relevance or adaptability to rapidly urbanising contexts in the Global South. In Algeria, no integrative or context-sensitive model currently exists to inform urban policy and planning. To address these theoretical and practical gaps, this study introduces the Integrated Child-Centric Urban Liveability Model (ICCULM). The model reconceptualises CUL as the dynamic interplay of five interrelated dimensions: the physical environment, education, public spaces, health and safety, and governance. Using a PRISMA-informed systematic review of 18 published studies (2014–2024), we synthesised international perspectives and assessed their applicability to the Algerian context. Our findings highlight the persistent exclusion of children from urban planning in Algeria, revealing that their rights and needs are absent from the political agenda. In light of these shortcomings, we recommend that child impact assessments be made mandatory and that participatory planning mechanisms be embedded in policy frameworks. This paper contributes to CUL theory by positioning children at the centre of liveability debates and sustainable urban development strategies. It also outlines pathways for translating these theoretical shifts into practice, towards building inclusive and sustainable cities by, for, and with children, where children's well-being serves as a benchmark for good urban living.