IFSW-AP Leaders Foster International Exchange at the 43rd Annual Conference of the Japanese Society for the Study of Social Work

On 11-12 July 2026, the 43rd Annual Conference of the Japanese Society for the Study of Social Work was held at the Japan College of Social Work in Tokyo, Japan.

The conference was chaired by Dr Machiko Ohara, President of IFSW Asia Pacific and Professor at the Japan College of Social Work. Dr Viktor Virág, Treasurer of IFSW Asia Pacific and Associate Professor at the same college, played a key role in organizing the conference’s international program.

One of the highlights of the conference was the keynote lecture by Professor Malcolm Payne (United Kingdom), an internationally recognized scholar whose work has had a significant influence on social work theory, education and practice worldwide. His keynote address, Looking forward, looking back: Justice, Empowerment and Co-production in Social Work, encouraged participants to reflect on the profession’s core values while exploring future directions for social work.

The conference brought together Japanese and international scholars to exchange knowledge and perspectives on contemporary social work. The active involvement of IFSW Asia Pacific’s leadership reflected the region’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international collaboration and promoting dialogue between research, education and practice.

IFSW Asia Pacific congratulates the Japanese Society for the Study of Social Work and the Japan College of Social Work on the successful conference and extends its appreciation to everyone who contributed to this valuable opportunity for international academic exchange.

Professor Malcolm Payne with Dr Machiko Ohara, President of IFSW Asia Pacific, and Dr Viktor Virág, Treasurer of IFSW Asia Pacific.

Professor Malcolm Payne delivering the keynote address.

Professor Malcolm Payne’s keynote lecture.