Building Back Better at the World Urban Forum: Rethinking Urban Reconstruction in Azerbaijan

WUF13 in Baku created an inspiring platform for dialogue on the future of cities, bringing together global perspectives, new networks, and engaging discussions on urban transformation and resilience.

As part of the forum, sa_partners hosted the partner-led event "Building Back Better", opening a dynamic conversation on how urban reconstruction can become a testing ground for new approaches to city-making in Azerbaijan.

The discussion focused on how post-conflict recovery in Azerbaijan can become an urban laboratory for testing new approaches to city-making, resilience, and sustainable development.

Participants explored how reconstruction can move beyond rebuilding alone to create new living environments centred around people, connectivity, landscape integration, and long-term adaptability — and how these solutions can now be scaled across emerging urban developments.

A key theme throughout the session was the importance of an integrated process, combining vision, zoning, detailed planning, and architectural delivery to translate ambition into coherent and liveable places.

Participating in WUF13 was a valuable opportunity to contribute to an international dialogue on the future of urban development, reconnect with partners and colleagues, and build new relationships across disciplines and regions. We thank everyone who joined the discussion and contributed their perspectives to this important conversation.