Mayor Choi is leading the country's first initiative for a 'Child-Friendly Space Certification' aimed at improving public and private spaces that children frequently use.
This initiative seeks to expand child-friendly city policies from administrative agencies to the actual living environments of citizens.
On this day, Mayor Choi held a briefing on the 'Child-Friendly Space Certification' at the city hall's fourth-floor conference room, attended by over 50 representatives from public and private facilities, sharing the direction and operational plans for the initiative.
The briefing covered the background and principles of the certification, the criteria and procedures for certification, the evaluation system, and plans for a pilot operation in 2026.
Participants provided feedback through a Q&A session regarding the operation of the system.
Mayor Choi plans to incorporate the feedback from the briefing to refine the operational details and begin the pilot program in December.
The certification program focuses on extending the policies of Anyang as a child-friendly city into the spaces where children actually live.
This initiative is characterized by encouraging voluntary participation and improvement from facilities rather than relying on legal permits or administrative actions.
The certification targets public institutions and private facilities frequently used by children. It defines a 'child-friendly space' as one where children can comfortably use the area, have their opinions respected, and where children's rights are acknowledged and practiced, going beyond just minimizing accident risks.
Evaluations will center on children's perceptions, with assessors evaluating five areas: safety, accessibility, participation and respect, inclusiveness, and the promotion of rights through documentation and on-site verification.
The certification lasts for three years, with certified facilities receiving a certificate, plaque, and certification signage.
Administrative burdens on facilities will also be minimized.
Mayor Choi stated that the certification process will focus on on-site verification while reducing paperwork, and after certification, tailored consulting and follow-up management will continue for each facility.
Successful cases will be publicized through the Anyang city website, social media, and press releases, and will be linked to child-friendly city-related events and campaigns.
This policy signifies an expansion of Anyang's child-friendly initiatives into everyday spaces.
Since receiving UNICEF's child-friendly city certification in June of last year, Mayor Choi has been continuously expanding policies to ensure children's rights to participation and create safe environments.
Mayor Choi Dae-ho added, "We will continue to expand the environment where our children can grow safely and be respected."
Meanwhile, Mayor Choi plans to gradually expand the certification program after confirming feedback and areas for improvement during the pilot operation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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