From 23 to 27 June 2025, the International Social Work Learning Lab (ISWLL) brought together social work students and faculty members from Germany, Greece, and The Netherlands for a vibrant week of exchange, learning and collaboration at HAN University of Applied Sciences in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
This initiative was jointly organised by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), and three partner universities: HAN University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands), University of West Attica (Greece), and Hochschule Koblenz (Germany).
Noortje Thuis (HAN University), Vasilios Ioakimidis (University of West Attica), Mayaka Bernard (HAN University), Antoinette Lombard (IASSW), Pascal Rudin (IFSW) and Günter Friesenhahn (Hochschule Koblenz)
Over the course of five days, students and educators engaged in lectures, workshops, field visits, cultural exchange and creative reflection. With a central focus on eco social work and climate justice, the learning lab explored how social workers can respond to the most urgent global challenges, including environmental degradation, forced migration and growing inequalities. Throughout the week, it became clear that social work cannot remain neutral in the face of injustice, and that the profession must embrace its political and activist roots to advocate for structural change.
Antoinette Lombard, IASSW President, reflected on the learning lab’s success: “This initiative captures the essence of global social work education. It is collaborative, critically engaged and deeply rooted in social justice within a sustainable development framework. By bringing together students, educators and professionals from different cultural and academic backgrounds, we are fostering a learning environment that empowers all participants to become active contributors to positive, social change in a complex and interconnected world.”
Pascal Rudin, IFSW Interim Secretary-General, added: “The International Social Work Learning Lab is a compelling expression of global solidarity and collaboration. It demonstrates how social work education can bring people together across borders to address the urgent challenges of our time. The enthusiasm and insight shown by the students throughout the week was remarkable. This space not only nurtures critical reflection and dialogue, but also empowers participants to co-create sustainable and inclusive futures.
The programme included sessions on solidarity and grassroots movements, indigenous perspectives, and bottom-up approaches to climate justice, as well as creative workshops that allowed students to reflect on their learning through performance and expression. The ISWLL concluded with a joyful and thought-provoking closing ceremony, celebrating the friendships, insights and commitments formed throughout the week.