Urbanization, migration, and demographic changes in the world are transforming the human environment, creating both great challenges and opportunities. 

Recognizing this important transformation, Penn’s Perry World House will present its first major conference on the theme, “Global Shifts: Urbanization, Migration, and Demography—An Examination of Marginalization and Inequality,” on Thursday, April 20, and Friday, April 21.

The two-day conference will offer Penn students, staff, faculty, and the general public an opportunity to hear from some of the world’s eminent international scholars and policymakers.

The first day of the conference, April 20, is not open to the public. Penn faculty from across the University actively engaged in research related to the conference theme will meet with other scholars and policy experts for substantive discussion about the ways that marginalization and inequality are shaping today’s global shifts.

On April 21, the public is invited to the World Forum of Perry World House for a day of panel discussions and audience question and answer sessions highlighted by a keynote address by former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, who will speak at noon. Penn President Amy Gutmann will introduce her.

Hailed as a champion for human rights, Power served as U.S. permanent representative to the U.N. from 2013-2017.

“We are absolutely delighted to have Ambassador Power as our keynote speaker,” says Bill Burke-White, director of Perry World House. “She recognizes that one of today’s most serious challenges is the refugee crisis, which requires a coordinated global response. Ambassador Power is also a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and leading scholar who understands the importance of bridging the academic and policy worlds, which is core to our mission at Perry World House.” Power received an honorary degree from Penn in 2015, and was that year’s Commencement speaker. 

The April 21 conference will feature Jockin Arputham, president of Shack/Slum Dwellers International, in conversation with Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, deputy executive director of U.N.-Habitat, and Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the U.N. Population Fund. The discussion, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., will be moderated by Susan Wachter, a professor of real estate and finance at the Wharton School. 

“The conversations that will take place will produce insights and connections that lead to meaningful change,” says LaShawn R. Jefferson, deputy director of Perry World House.

Building on its role as a university-wide hub that connects Penn expertise with international policy circles, in September, Perry World House will hold a conference on the theme, “The Future of the Global Order: Power, Technology, and Governance.”