The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) held its General Meeting on April 1st and 2nd, 2024. During this meeting, the representatives of member organizations affirmed The People’s Charter for a New-Eco Social World as a key reference document as the Federation continues to review its policies and procedures in the context of continued growth. Two operational policies, on developing consistency in the selection of regional representatives for the Commissions and the need to establish a commission that defends social workers’ rights were progressed.
Two new member applications were also voted on and affirmed as full members. These were the Cambodian Association of Social Workers and The Taiwan Association of Social Workers. On hearing this news, Dr. Mei-Kuei Yu, the President of the Taiwan Association of Social Workers commented:
On behalf of Taiwan Association of Social Workers (TASW), I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the IFSW members’ votes in support of our application. As TASW just celebrated its 35th anniversary on 26th March, your support has been the most inspiring present for us, especially after the impact of the terrible earthquake to Taiwan recently. These care and support give us even more strength to overcome the challenges. TASW shall extend this virtuous cycle in the international community. Echoing with the 2024 global theme, “Buen Vivir “, TASW will promote professional development and enhance the quality of services for social workers with sustainable reciprocity relationship to people and the environment. Also, TASW will keep building strong and effective partnerships that enable us and others to make the best possible contributions to social workers ahead.
The meeting culminated in the election of a new Executive Committee comprising of the following:
Global President: Joachim Mumba (continuing term)
Secretary-General: Rory Truell (continuing ex officio)
Vice Global President: Kenia Batista (newly elected)
Global Treasurer: Sriganesh MV (elected unopposed)
Regional Presidents and Vice Presidents:
Africa Region:
President: Oluwatoni Adeleke (elected)
Vice President: Vacant
Asia Pacific:
President: Machiko Ohara (continuing term)
Vice President: Teoh Ai Hua (elected unopposed)
Europe region:
President: Ruth Allen (elected unopposed)
Vice President: Andreas Pedersen Kikvik (elected)
Latin America and Caribbean region:
President: Kenia Batista (also serves as Vice Global President)
Vice President: Gabriela Rodriguez Vázquez (elected)
North America region:
President: Yvonne Chase (elected)
Vice President: Joan Davis-Whelen (elected)
The General Meeting also confirmed the appointments of David Jones as Elections Officer and Nicolai Paulsen as Parliamentarian, both serving terms until 2026.
The Federation’s members also expressed their deep thanks to the outgoing Executive Committee members, including Victor Garcia (Global Treasurer), Ana Radulescu (IFSW Europe), Sriganesh MV (Asia Pacific Vice President), Tânia Maria Ramos (LAC Vice President), and Noel Muridzo (IFSW Africa).