Image: Dr Pascal Rudin, IFSW Secretary-General
Bringing together frontline social work experience, international advocacy and organisational leadership, Pascal takes office with a commitment to listening, collaboration and a stronger, more connected Federation.
15 October 2026
The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) has appointed Dr Pascal Rudin as Secretary-General. Following an international recruitment process in 2025, Pascal was appointed Interim Secretary-General in June of that year. On 10 September 2026, the IFSW Executive, including its Steering Group, unanimously decided to confirm him as permanent Secretary-General.
As Secretary-General, Pascal serves as IFSW’s Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the Secretariat and working closely with the elected Executive and its Steering Group, regional leadership and member organisations to advance the Federation’s shared priorities. He has been part of IFSW for more than 12 years in leadership and operational roles, most recently as Head of Global Operations. He also directs the Federation’s advocacy and engagement at the United Nations, working with international partners and human rights mechanisms to strengthen the voice of social work in global policy discussions.
His social work practice includes child protection in Switzerland and Ghana and psychiatric social work in India. These experiences have shaped his understanding of the importance of relationships, cultural contexts, human dignity and the everyday realities faced by individuals, families and communities.
Pascal also brings expertise in engineering, information technology and organisational management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he drew on his technological background to develop the digital infrastructure for the 2020 Global Social Work Online Conference, “The 2020 to 2030 Social Work Global Agenda: Co-Building Social Transformation”, enabling more than 20,000 participants worldwide to connect and exchange knowledge at a time when international gatherings were severely restricted.
He holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Edinburgh alongside a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and qualifications in International Childhood Studies, Engineering and Business Administration. He is also a Research Fellow in Social Work at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. His professional and academic interests include children’s rights, social development, mental health and inequality. His research examines how power operates through institutions, professional practices and dominant narratives, shaping how social problems are understood and how people are treated.
Statement from IFSW President Eva Ponce de Leon
“On behalf of the IFSW Steering Group and the IFSW Executive, I congratulate Pascal and welcome him to this role. His appointment brings continuity and an opportunity to strengthen the Federation. He knows our member organisations and regions well, and shares the values that unite our profession.
I want to thank the members of the recruitment panel for their careful work, and the Secretariat for their commitment and dedication during the interim period. Together, we will continue building a Federation that listens to its members, values their experiences and brings people together across borders in pursuit of social justice, human rights and dignity for all.”
Statement from Dr Pascal Rudin, IFSW Secretary-General
“I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and for the opportunity to continue serving a Federation that has been such an important part of my professional and personal journey.
My understanding of social work has been shaped by the people I have worked alongside over the years: children and families, colleagues in many countries, and social workers who stand with people even when resources are scarce and circumstances are difficult. These experiences have taught me that meaningful change begins with relationships: with listening, with caring, and with recognising the strengths of others.
While this appointment carries my name, the work ahead belongs to all of us. IFSW’s strength lies in its members, in the diversity of our experiences, and in the relationships and solidarity that connect us.
At a time of growing inequality, conflict, displacement, climate change and rapid technological transformation, our profession has an important contribution to make. We must continue to create spaces where different voices are heard, where knowledge and experience can be shared, and where solidarity translates into meaningful action.
I see my role as one of service: supporting our members, strengthening the connections between us, and helping to ensure that IFSW remains open, accountable and responsive to the people and communities our profession serves.”
About IFSW
The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) is the global body for the social work profession, bringing together national professional organisations in 138 countries and representing more than 5 million social workers. The Federation promotes social work, social justice, human rights and social development through international cooperation, professional standards, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge and experience.
Media contact: Lucia Gandolfi, Communications, IFSW Secretariat –
Further information: www.ifsw.org