THE GLOBAL ISSUE "MEGA-URBANIZATION": AN UNSOLVABLE CHALLENGE FOR STAKEHOLDERS, RESEARCHERS AND RESIDENTS?

Abstract. This study aims at discussing the complex, multi-dimensional issue of the global phenomenon of urbanization. Based on a theoretical review and discussion on the situation of cities, the causes, dimensions and consequences of urban growth the idea is to raise the main questions for future activities to meet this challenge. For it a pragmatic and holistic framework is proposed to systematize the manifold approaches and to stimulate discussions on this issue addressing inter- and transdisciplinary thinking.