It was stated that cultural heritage plays an important role in strengthening social solidarity and sustainability in cities.
Modern.az reports that Nihal Saad – Director of the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) said this during a video address at the discussion titled “Sustainable and empowering cultural revitalization” organized within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.
He thanked the Azerbaijani government for organizing the forum at a high level and emphasized that Baku successfully hosts global events.
Nihal Saad stated that it is not correct to approach urban planning issues only from the perspective of infrastructure:
“Cities are built not only with concrete, but with culture, memory, identity and people. A people-centered approach and the formation of a sense of belonging play a key role here.”
According to him, the restoration of cultural heritage strengthens dialogue and mutual trust between different communities:
“Preserving historical neighborhoods, public spaces and traditions is not just about preserving the past. It is about creating common spaces where diverse communities come together, exchange ideas and build trust.”
The UNAOC director noted that the integration of cultural heritage into urban planning policy increases social solidarity and the sustainability of cities:
“This approach ensures that development is carried out not only economically, but also in a socially inclusive and culturally based manner.”
He emphasized that cultural heritage is an important tool against fragmentation, inequality and social tensions in cities:
“Dialogue is only possible in spaces where people feel they belong, have dignity and a sense of shared ownership. The revitalization of cultural heritage creates exactly such spaces.”
Nihal Saad added that the UN Alliance of Civilizations values cultural heritage as a platform for dialogue between peoples, a means of mutual understanding and an important element of social sustainability.
According to him, when communities are involved in the process of preserving and reshaping their heritage, they also become active participants in building the future of cities.
