The solution session on strengthening social integration through intergenerational solidarity, led by IFSW and co-organised by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) and the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), was a remarkable success at the Second World Summit for Social Development, 4-6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar. Building on the shared vision set out in the concept note, the panel brought to life the power of collaboration across generations and across our historic partnership.
Moderated with clarity and inspiration by Priska Fleischlin, IFSW Global UN Commissioner, the session demonstrated the unique strength of the global social work community. It highlighted how the combined experience of older generations and the creativity of younger ones can deepen social trust, drive inclusive participation, and create new pathways for sustainable development.
The panel featured contributions from across the partnership:
- Akudo Amadeugwu, United Kingdom, IFSW
- Antoinette Lombard, South Africa, IASSW
- Benjamin Lough, United States, ICSD
- Bernard Mayaka, Kenya, IFSW
- P. K. Shajahan, India, ICSW
Sincere thanks go to each of the speakers for their thoughtful insights, which illustrated how intergenerational solidarity is central to social integration and to the shared wellbeing of communities worldwide.
Priska Fleischlin (IFSW, Moderator), Mayaka Bernard (IFSW), Antoinette Lombard (IASSW), P. K. Shajahan (ICSW), Akudo Amadeugwu (IFSW) and Benjamin Lough (ICSD)
The IFSW delegation also contributed actively to the panels hosted by our partner organisations, further strengthening the collective voice of the global social work movement throughout the Summit.
The panel “Universal Social Protection as a Pillar of Just Society: Why it Matters and What Can be Done”, hosted by IASSW, featured Priska Fleischlin speaking on behalf of IFSW. She highlighted that global social protection calls for transformation from all of us. The examples she shared demonstrated that social work must also reflect on its own understanding of its role and, where needed, adjust it in order to embody the social change that the profession seeks to realise.
“Integrated Social Policy as a Core Driver of Sustainable Development”, hosted by ICSW, examined how integrated social policy links social protection, health, education and labour markets. IFSW was represented by Patricia Saleeby, whose intervention highlighted the essential role of social workers in bringing these systems together so that they work for people and strengthen community resilience.
These contributions reflected the spirit of our partnership with IASSW, ICSW and ICSD and demonstrated our shared commitment to transformational social development.
IFSW Delegation: Priska Fleischlin (IFSW UN Commission), Bernard Mayaka (IFSW Secretariat), Patricia Saleeby (IFSW UN Commission), Akudo Amadeugwu (IFSW UN Commission) and Pascal Rudin (IFSW Secretariat)
Pascal Rudin, IFSW Interim Secretary-General, commented: It has been inspiring to see our global partnership speak with such unity and purpose. Intergenerational solidarity is not an abstract idea. It is something social workers cultivate every day, and it was a privilege to bring this perspective into the global discussion. The conversations in Doha demonstrated that when we bring generations and disciplines together, we open doors to solutions grounded in dignity, solidarity and hope. This Summit marks an important step forward for social development, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with our partners in co-building more just and equitable societies in the spirit of shared humanity.
Priska Fleischlin, IFSW Global UN Commissioner, added: This was a significant United Nations event that gave real strength to our profession. We were able to promote the People’s Charter for a New Eco-Social World and to highlight our shared commitment to co-creating change with people and communities, co-living with nature, and valuing indigenous knowledges as a guiding vision for an eco-social world. For the IFSW UN Commission, this experience has deepened our engagement and motivation to share social work knowledge within the UN system. We are also seeing growing interest from the UN to collaborate with us in many other areas, which is both encouraging and inspiring.