WUF13 forum explores heritage-led urban regeneration and inclusive city planning

An event titled “Rethinking Cultural Heritage and Inclusive Urban Regeneration” was held on Wednesday (20 May) during WUF13 in Baku, bringing together international officials, urban planners and cultural experts to discuss how heritage preservation can support more inclusive and resilient cities.

The session focused on the role of heritage-led urban regeneration in addressing housing challenges, protecting local identity and improving living conditions without displacing communities.

Participants also examined how historic neighbourhoods can contribute to climate resilience, economic revitalisation and sustainable urban development.

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Heritage preservation beyond monuments

Speaking at the forum, founder of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, former vice president of the World Bank and cultural expert Ismail Serageldin said policymakers must consider “what, how, and for whom” historical areas are being preserved.

According to him, conservation efforts should not focus solely on individual buildings, but must protect the broader character of cities while taking into account social, economic, environmental and physical dimensions.

He stressed the importance of community participation, investment mobilisation and minimising displacement during regeneration projects.

Morocco’s State Secretary for Housing, Adib Benbrahim, said urban redevelopment must preserve identity and historical value, warning that demolition and reconstruction require careful long-term planning.

“Of course, we sometimes see that historic neighborhoods also face unemployment-related problems. But in any case, we must not forget that cultural heritage is largely about cultural identity and cultural history,” Benbrahim said.

Meanwhile, Mexico City’s Minister of Housing, Inti Muñoz, said regeneration projects should maintain social, cultural and economic balance in order to avoid negative social consequences while strengthening urban resilience.

He noted that, in the process of urban renewal and development, this historical multilayered character is being carefully preserved.

“For visitors coming to Mexico City, this heritage is of great importance and forms a key part of the city’s cultural identity. In recent years, tourist inflows and urban life in Mexico City have increased significantly,” he added.

Focus on inclusion and housing

Speakers repeatedly underlined that regeneration should go beyond physical reconstruction and address wider social issues.

Elisabet Cirici said inclusive regeneration must be rooted in principles of social justice, with housing, employment, access to public services and the protection of vulnerable groups remaining central to planning efforts.

Anaclaudia Rossbach said cultural heritage plays a vital role in shaping the identity of future cities and cannot be separated from sustainable development.

“Cultural development remains impossible without this component; concurrently, sustainable development cannot fully materialize without the preservation of cultural heritage,” she said.

Representing Azerbaijan, Sabina Hajiyeva highlighted the experience of Icherisheher, also known as the Old City of Baku.

She said regeneration should focus on preserving the overall urban fabric rather than isolated structures, noting that Icherisheher remains a living community rather than solely a tourist destination.

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Linking heritage, climate and urban policy

According to the session organisers, the forum aimed to demonstrate how heritage-led regeneration can improve housing affordability, strengthen resilience and support climate-responsive urban transformation.

The discussion also explored financing models, partnerships and policy approaches that connect heritage conservation with tourism, housing and local economic development.

Moderated by Nazanine Moshiri, the session formed part of broader discussions at WUF13 on sustainable urban development and inclusive city planning.

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News WUF13 Baku World Urban Forum Heritage preservation Azerbaijan UN UN-Habitat Culture