Who gets to rebuild cities after war? Sagal Abas Bafo argues that post-conflict recovery must centre women’s experiences and feminist Global South perspectives to create more equal cities.
Neighbourhood committees in Syrian cities show that recovery is not only about rebuilding infrastructure but rebuilding civic culture. What makes local governance truly sustainable after conflict? By Ghada Rifai
Rebuilding often starts with the details. In Imam Gharbi, a town in the Iraqi district of Qayyarah, five kilometres of water pipes were enough to improve the lives of thousands – and strengthen the social cohesion of an entire community.
Community-led rumah flat in Jakarta show how housing can function again as a social good, not a speculative asset. Elisa Sutanudjaja traces this shift towards more just and affordable cities.
Gulf purpose-built cities like Masdar and NEOM often fall short of their grand visions, becoming underpopulated and more symbolic than lived. Yasser Elsheshtawy calls for more grounded, socially responsive approaches that prioritise everyday life over spectacle.
The Berlin–Mexico City partnership, part of the Sister Cities in Action project, shows how city collaborations can move beyond official ties and become dynamic, community-driven initiatives. Silvana Almaraz describes how, by equality, South–South learning, and intersectionality, the tandem creates inclusive spaces where civil society leads collective action.
Urban–Rural linkages are key to sustainable growth. Jackson Kago explores how partnerships between cities and their hinterlands can drive inclusive development in East Africa.
Discover fresh Indigenous perspectives on urban spaces this summer! Dive into stories, studies, and insights from ancient cities to today's urban life worldwide. Explore. Reflect. Enjoy!
How Otavalo became an Indigenous city – Luis Eduardo Maldonado R. explores how Indigenous communities in Ecuador are reclaiming and reshaping urban spaces.
Community-level capacity building and knowledge co-creation are key to resilience and justice. Join Gina Ziervogel as she takes us to explore the Cape Town Water Project.
During the war, public spaces can be drivers for resilience. Ghada Rifai explores the transformative potential of public spaces in post-conflict cities through the example of Aleppo in Syria.
India is rapidly urbanising. However, the disparities that affect the poor and marginalised are glaring. Bijal and Chirayu Brahmbhatt discuss aspects of addressing these inequalities through women-led approaches towards a better future for all.
A neglected park turns into a green oasis. Over 200 residents are joining in to stop soil erosion, absorb rainwater, and turn their park into a place for encounter and environmental education.
Sustainable building approaches are not only more environmentally friendly than conventional building methods – but they may also teach people how to avoid waste. Peter McIntosh, the founder of the Natural Building Collective, highlights the advantages through the example of Ulwazi Educare in Cape Town.
The approach of the Fundación Hogares understands the relevance of strengthening social cohesion in neighbourhoods to respond to city-scale challenges. José Roberto shares some valuable insights into how community organisations are shaping their surroundings in infrastructure as well as in inclusiveness.
