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.