This volume brings together a cross-section of papers presented at the 33rd International Council of Social Welfare (ICSW) conference in Tours, France, in July 2008. Although it is a more or less random compilation, the contributions raise important topics offering great insight into the multiplicity of ways that nations and communities are responding to the challenges of globalisation as well as internal demands for greater social justice and equality as well as mechanisms for civil society. The authors are working across disparate national settings which makes it especially interesting by providing very different perspectives and allows as well to look at possible convergences. A main issue is a global approach to social policy and social development but tailored to local communities is required. It is as well underlined that limitations on strict 'professional' domains can easily do more harm than allowing gain.