Role of cultural and natural heritage in addressing polycrises and urban recovery

In recent years, many urban areas have been affected by complex natural and human destruction of diverse circumstances, the aftermath of which exemplifies the notion of a polycrisis. This forms the subject of this session, with examples, focusing largely on the Middle East (including Aleppo, Mosul, Antalya and Gaza), where recent events have led to major urban crises that have received considerable international attention. UNESCO and the World Bank have published important methodologies for urban reconstruction (Peacebuilding and Recovery in the CURE Framework) that represents the basis for analysis and planning of post-crises urban interventions with culture and nature-based solutions as central foci.

UN-Habitat MetroHub is exploring these issues in partnership with the Heritopolis initiative a UN-Habitat UNIversity consortium, which focuses on strengthening the role of natural and cultural heritage in metropolitan planning and development. Discussion of these case studies will be complemented by reports and visual material on experiences and appropriate methodologies in the case study cities.

Each panellist will make an initial presentation, augmented by the video, and followed by a discussion led by the moderator, prior to opening the session to engagement with the audience.