The conference theme refers to developing realities throughout the world and Europe, including Sweden and the host city Uppsala. With migration across international borders, and rural-urban migration within countries, growing numbers of people are concentrating in urban areas.

At the same time, concerns about human environmental impacts and urban sustainability, among other forces, are energizing a push to increase residential densities in urban areas and otherwise tighten the urban fabric, all with the support of new policies, technologies and design approaches. Yet, just as more people are gathering in growing and densifying urban agglomerations, physical and social boundaries are solidifying between neighborhoods and communities, defined with regard to ethnicity and socio-economic status.

The dynamics of migration, densification and segregation can be mutually reinforcing and powerful, creating intractable problems and yet also opening opportunities for governmental entities at all scales. To avoid, ameliorate or resolve problems and to create opportunities, understandings from the social sciences will be needed.