Challenges for Quality-of-Life Studies in the New Millennium

The International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies held its 7th annual conference for the first time in Africa and a developing country in July 2006. How best to evaluate quality of life in an age of globalisation, democratisation, and human rights, in a time when humankind faces escalating risks and uncertainties — some of its own making — was discussed at the conference. Fifteen papers that respond to different facets of the millennium challenge are brought together in the conference proceedings. The introductory article gives an overview of the so-called millennium challenge and introduces research that responds to the challenge under the headings: Learning from the past to inform the future; refining concepts and measurement to assess cross-cultural quality of life; the role of trust and stability in society; accessibility and good governance in cities; and the challenge of rehabilitation and health care for all in a time of HIV/AIDS.