The Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development started in 2010 when 3000 social work representatives and social development professionals came together to set the priorities for the profession until 2020. This significantly successful period of the Global Agenda has been an essential voice in proactively setting and fulfilling the Sustainable Developmental Goals, working towards more peaceful and just societies and strengthening the voice of the social work profession.
Now, the social work profession needs to examine new themes and processes to expand the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development for the years 2020 to 2030. From IFSW, we are launching a consultation process, where your input is essential to build a robust and inclusive Global Agenda that meets the real needs of all people. The consultation period will end in July 2020.
Please make your contributions to the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development 2020 – 2030 by filling in the comments box at the bottom of this page.
To see the reports of the Global Agenda from 2010 to 2018 please visit the IFSW Bookstore where you can download the reports for free. Below is a video message from the IFSW President Silvana Martinez and Secretary-General Rory Truell providing some examples of the success of the Global Agenda and inviting all people interested in the development of social work to participate in the consultation process. The video is subtitled in both Spanish and English.
Comments Section
Please leave any comments on your proposed Global Agenda themes for 2020 to 2030 and any suggestions for how to integrate the themes across the decade which also allows the Global Agenda process to effectively respond to any unforeseen social issues that may arise.
Tonny Omon - Social work students leader in Uganda says
Tonny Omon is my name, a third year student of Social work at Kampala International University -Uganda . I think it’s great idea to have a global agenda for Social work however for the realization of this agenda, youth engagement should be the key factor because they are future agents. Another one is localization of the agenda in to different contexts of the regions and even national. This will create the sense of social workers participation that will make them own the agenda.
Breanna Puhach says
Hello from Canada!
I am a social work student from Canada who will begin my professional practice in the near future, and find the opportunity to comment and potentially contribute to the upcoming Global Social Work Agenda 2020-2030 Initiative exciting.
I am overwhelmed at the amount of issues that impact communities, families and individuals around the world, which need to be addressed. A few issues that come to mind that I would like to see addressed in the next decade would be homelessness, food and clean water insecurity, health care with an emphasis on holistic well-being and mental health, better accessibility and supports for those living with disabilities and caregivers who support these individuals. In terms of themes some of these are human rights issues, everyone should have the right to shelter, clean water, nutritious food and medical care. People with disabilities deserve to have proper care, access and have the right to participate in communities across the world. They deserve to have adequate services and supports in communities which support this and their best quality of life. It would also be beneficial for caregivers to receive proper supports, services and compensation for their efforts as caregivers to those in need. I see these last few points as growing concerns as there is and will continue to be an increase in geriatric needs and care with the aging baby boomer population. Overall, I would be fantastic to have these agenda items addressed as there is a need, and so long as these are global social problems and concerns.
Thank-you very much for this opportunity to share my thoughts on these matters and contribute!
Rittu says
As a social worker in Canada. These are some issues that I think are important.
1. Protecting and supporting Indigenous communities across Canada. This is an important issue as Indigenous communities in Canada continue to face discrimination and on-going oppression in many aspects of their lives.
2. Addressing climate change around the world as it is a social issue which continue to grow and impact individuals on a global scale. This is an issue we continue to hear on a global scale but also have been witnessing over the years. Climate change has been increasing community vulnerabilities.
Bora Choi says
My global agenda theme is to create a better social work education system, and promoting social work jobs as more professional and specialized ones. The social work profession is a versatile profession and can be found anywhere across different helping professions that affect social development, social justice, the well-being of all individuals. As a social work student, I see the need for more investment of time and resources to develop an education program that covers both theory and practice. Social work is a relatively new area of study, and education for social work is continuously evolving, I do not think that there is enough attention at macro-level. I wish there is more investment in improving social work education
khadija howard says
For the 2020 conference that will be held, I would like to see a conversation on the helping first nation communities. More of a focus on supporting them as well as more resources made readily available to those in needs on reserves and those who do not reside on reserves. First Nation communities are experience generational trauma, as well as awful housing conditions on some reserves. These experiences directly effect other parts of their lives as well as their offspring. As social workers I feel as though education on indingenous experiences should be explored as well as specialized ways to help and support these individuals while also understanding and respecting their culture. With this more informed education it will create better possibilities and opportunities for both family members, indviduals and children. I feel as though this a topic that needs to be discussed as native reserves and their ocnditions as well as high suicide rates are known but not adequate enough services are being offered to help reduces these traumatic experiences. I would like to see more social workers learn and understand the cultural, the history, of indigenous people, as through cultural competency thei will be able to provide better service.
Kaitlyn says
My name is Kaitlyn and I am Social Work student. I completed my undergraduate degree in Sociology, Women & Gender Studies. In taking the time to consider how social workers can prepare for health care reform and discuss the changes/adaptations that should be made for the future of the profession in 2020, I think that it is important to promote our unique contributions to health care reform and to prepare the existing and new workforce for the anticipated profound shift in our roles. Health care reform is guided by the Triple Aim: improving the experience of care, improving the health of the population, and reducing per capita costs—goals that are not mutually exclusive if our health care system transforms in a positive way (Berwick, Nolan, & Whittington, 2008). In addition to expanding health care coverage, achieving these goals means realigning the system to focus on prevention rather than acute care, helping people manage their wellness, and fostering collaboration and integration across primary and behavioural health care. These changes are highly compatible with the values of social work (Andrews, Darnell, McBride, & Gehlert, 2013). Not only that, but as Erika mentioned in the previous comments, it is crucial that we continue to assist and promote resources for Indigenous, Black and Afro-Indigenous, and all other communities of colour and marginalized status’ such as LGBTQ2IA+ communities. This can be noted as applying the ecological systems model, which involves assessing the sources of problems and determining the focus of the interventions. With that being said, we could utilize this model to educate and promote anti-racism practices, and allow for peoples’ stories to be told and heard through pro immigration and diversification within the Country. Important also, is to work to decolonize the Westernized way of people’s minds and praxis, especially concerning Indigenous communities. We must learn how to unlearn and think critically how to address stigma and promote a recovery orientation in safe settings. Reform is not going to succeed in improve overall outcomes unless it pays attention to the present population’s well-being. This means focusing on the underlying disparities, which are often driven by social determinants such as education, employment, community, culture, and exposure to discrimination, oppression and violence.
Berwick, D.M., Nolan, T.W., & Whittington, J. (2008). The triple aim: Care, health,
and cost. Health Affairs, 27(3), 759–769.
McKinnon-Oke, S. (2019).Module 9 Lecture: The Ability To Demonstrate Empathy While Dealing With Barriers and Confrontations. [Lecture Slides]. SLWK 4010. Dalhousie University.
Amanda says
Hello,
I am a social work student from Canada with an interest in the promotion and preservation of seniors’ health, quality of life and well-being. I would like to see a component of the Global Agenda focused on supporting healthy aging through advocacy and increased accessibility to resources. The issue itself is of global concern due to the rapidly increasing population far beyond what many regions are able to support and sustain. Concerns with aging goes far beyond just physiological changes to encompass all aspects of daily life, including healthcare services, and accessible housing and transportation. The growth of the ageing population is inevitable, and I believe that there has to be action to ensure the vulnerability of this population is protected and their needs are met.