579. How Can International Collaboration Shape Cities - Emma Shepherdson
Why does international collaboration matter in urban and community development? Isn’t local knowledge enough?In this episode, Emma Shepherdson — social sustainability specialist, Chair of Arkitekter utan gränser, part of ShiftSweden, and process leader at White Arkitekter — shares how cross-border learning builds trust, strengthens democracy, and sparks innovation in city-making.Emma takes us behind the scenes of projects from Sweden’s support in rebuilding Ukraine to neighbourhood work in Turkey, as well as earlier experiences in the Pacific and Latin America.We also explore her personal journey from Australia to Tonga to Stockholm — what drives her passion for social sustainability, how she balances work and life, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.A conversation about curiosity, collaboration, and creating cities that connect us all.Links:Architecture Sans Frontières (ASF) / Arkitekter utan gränser https://www.arkitekterutangranser.se/ Shift Swedenhttps://www.shiftsweden.se/https://arena.shiftsweden.se/home___Keep Up the Good Work. Keep Loving Cities ❤️️__All opinions expressed in each episode are personal to the guest and do not represent the Host of Urbanistica Podcast unless otherwise stated.____Follow Urbanistica on Instagram , TikTok, Facebook & Youtube channel._____Let's connect and talk further about this episode Mustafa Sherif Linkedin._____Visit Mustafasherif.com for collaborations and nominations or email me at
[email protected]_____Thanks to Urbanistica Podcast partner AFRY (Urban Planning and Design)AFRY is an international engineering and design company providing sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, industry, and infrastructure.