Postwar Planning and Reconstruction: Lessons from Kabul by Mary Anne Ocampo

As part of the global project “Community Recovery Academy” a lecture “Post-War Planning and Reconstruction: Lessons from Kabul”. The speaker of the event was Mary Anne Ocampo, Associate Professor of Urban Design and Planning and Director of Sasaki and Associates.

This lecture is part of a large-scale initiative aimed at preparing municipal managers for the challenges of post-war recovery. The uniqueness of the project lies in its comprehensive approach to training, which combines lectures, practical cases, and the expertise of international experts.

During the lecture, Mary Anne Ocampo shared her experience of working on the Kabul reconstruction strategy, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development, inclusive design, and consideration of the historical context in planning. Main aspects of the lecture:

• the importance of multilateral cooperation between the government, civil society organizations and international partners;
• the role of communities in shaping the vision of recovery and infrastructure development;
• innovative approaches to housing, mobility and water supply.

Particular emphasis was placed on gender equality in urban planning, the role of women in the reconstruction of Kabul, and the creation of safe and comfortable public spaces. 

One of the key aspects of rebuilding, as emphasized by Mary Anne Ocampo, is the need for an in-depth analysis of the historical past in order to create effective solutions for the future. Studying the demographic, social, and cultural changes that have taken place in the city over the decades allows us to better understand current challenges and adapt planning to the real needs of residents. 

Why is this important for Ukraine?

Community Recovery Academy project provides Ukrainian communities with the knowledge to develop recovery strategies necessary in the current environment. Mary Anne Ocampo's lecture highlighted the key components of such a strategy: analysis of the historical past, integration of sustainable development principles, consideration of social aspects (gender equality, community involvement), and multilateral cooperation. This approach offers effective solutions that can be adapted to overcome the consequences of the war and ensure Ukraine's sustainable development.

Community Recovery Academy, founded by the Association of Ukrainian Cities and the NGO Mariupol.Reborn, aims to train municipal managers for the recovery period. The project is being implemented with the support of the UK Government under the UK International Development program and the International Republican Institute (IRI Ukraine) in partnership with Metinvest and SCM. The educational partners of the project are Metinvest Polytechnic and the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.