Expert: Post-disaster recovery must not deepen inequality

Recovery processes following natural disasters too often lead to vulnerability, social inequality, and unsustainable models of urban development, Samer Bagaeen, Vice President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), during WUF13 in Baku.

Report quotes him as saying that natural and man-made disasters are occurring more frequently and becoming less predictable.

Bagaeen noted that climate change, environmental degradation, rapid urbanization, and forced migration are creating new global challenges for cities and planning systems.

According to the RTPI representative, urban planning plays a key role in reducing vulnerability and ensuring fairness in cities and settlements.

He also pointed out that after natural disasters, people often need months or even years to return to their homes, with insufficient support from insurance mechanisms remaining one of the reasons for such delays.

Bagaeen stressed the need for closer cooperation among urban planning specialists, financial institutions, insurance companies, charitable organizations, and government bodies.