Baku Forum Debates How Heritage Can Build Fairer, Resilient Cities
A forum on heritage and urban development took place in Baku on 20 May as part of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13). Titled Rethinking Cultural Heritage and Inclusive Urban Regeneration, the event gathered officials, planners, and cultural specialists. Their discussions centred on how heritage preservation can support fairer, more resilient cities without pushing out residents. The session explored ways to balance regeneration with social needs. Speakers emphasised that protecting historical areas must go beyond saving individual buildings. Sabina Hajiyeva from Azerbaijan pointed to Icherisheher, Baku’s Old City, as a model. There, efforts focused on preserving the entire urban fabric rather than just landmarks.
Ismail Serageldin, founder of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, stressed three key questions: *what* is preserved, *how* it is done, and *for whom*. He called for community involvement, smart investment, and measures to prevent displacement. Anaclaudia Rossbach added that heritage shapes future cities and cannot be separated from sustainable growth. Other participants highlighted the need for long-term planning. Adib Benbrahim of Morocco said redevelopment must protect identity and history. Inti Muñoz, Mexico City’s housing minister, warned that projects risk social harm if they ignore cultural and economic balance. Elisabet Cirici reinforced this, stating that inclusive regeneration requires fair housing, jobs, and services for vulnerable groups.
The forum concluded that heritage-led regeneration can improve living conditions—but only if communities stay at the heart of planning. Officials agreed that successful projects must combine preservation with social justice, economic stability, and long-term vision. The discussions will inform future policies on urban development and cultural conservation.
