U21 Social Work Community of Practice Inaugural Conference: Social Work Responding to Global Challenges

Social work is a global profession; its practice transcends national borders, and responds to critical challenges facing our community and the world. The roots of problems that we find in our contemporary society stem from local issues that affect individuals, families and communities. Poverty, inequality, injustice, human rights violations, wars and internal conflicts, natural disasters, environmental changes and climate crisis pose fundamental questions of what is right and what is wrong, and place a responsibility on social work to respond appropriately, given its commitment to reducing human suffering and promoting well-being. Social workers have a responsibility to navigate and critically analyse the ‘how’ behind global forces, while developing context-specific interventions that celebrate diversity; promote social justice; and empower communities.

The Universitas21 Community of Practice Inaugural Conference will explore global challenges such as: · Poverty, hunger/food security · Gender inequality · Ageing population · Pandemic/public health emergencies · Peace and security · Forced displacement and refugee crisis · Environmental degradation and climate crisis · Violence against women and children · Human rights (including disability and LGBTQ+ rights · Assistive technologies and artificial intelligence .

The conference will include key notes, individual presentations/parallel sessions, panels and workshops, providing a space for intellectual exchange on innovative projects, research methodologies and cutting-edge practice that showcases social work’s contribution to addressing global challenges.

The conference will be held over two sessions:

• Wednesday 15 May 2024: 07:00-13:00 GMT (catering to South Asia, Far East, Australia, New Zealand)
• Thursday 16 May 2024: 12:00-17:00 GMT (catering to Africa, Europe, UK, the Americas)

To Register for the event please complete this registration link.