Delegates from national member organisations gather for the official group photograph following the successful conclusion of the 2026 IFSW General Meeting in Nairobi
The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) successfully concluded its 2026 General Meeting, held on 23 and 24 June in Nairobi, Kenya. The dynamic hybrid gathering brought together national member organisations representing 81 countries, participating both in person and online, and was marked by democratic participation, thoughtful debate and a shared commitment to strengthening the global social work profession.
Hosted ahead of the Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development, the General Meeting provided an opportunity for members to review the Federation’s achievements, shape its future direction and elect its new leadership.
This year’s meeting also marked an important milestone as the first hybrid IFSW General Meeting to be conducted in all three official languages: English, French and Spanish. The addition of French ensured that, with Africa hosting the meeting, member organisations from across the continent could participate more fully in discussions and decision-making, further strengthening the Federation’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility and linguistic diversity.
New Global Leadership
Delegates elected Eva Ponce de Leon as the new IFSW Global President.
Newly elected IFSW President Eva Ponce de Leon addresses the General Meeting following her election, outlining her vision for the Federation’s next chapter
The General Meeting also elected:
- Regional Vice President Africa: Abib Ndiaye (continuing)
- Regional President Asia-Pacific: Machiko Ohara (continuing)
- Regional Vice President Europe: Andreas Pedersen Kikvik (continuing)
- Regional President Latin America and the Caribbean: Jorge Arturo Sáenz Fonseca (new)
- Regional President North America: Barb Whitenect (continuing)
- Regional Vice President North America: Karen Bullock (new)
They join the continuing members of the Global Executive:
- Global Treasurer: Sriganesh MV
- Regional President Africa: Oluwatoni Adeleke
- Regional Vice President Asia-Pacific: Teoh Ai Hua
- Regional President Europe: Ruth Allen
- Regional Vice President Latin America and the Caribbean: Gabriela Rodríguez Vázquez
The Federation expressed its sincere appreciation to those whose terms of office concluded at this General Meeting: outgoing Global President Joachim Mumba, outgoing Global Vice President and Regional President for Latin America and the Caribbean Kenia Batista, and outgoing Regional President for North America Yvonne Chase, thanking them for their dedicated leadership and lasting contributions to the Federation and the global social work profession.
The General Meeting also honoured David Jones for his outstanding service as IFSW Elections Officer for more than a decade. Delegates recognised his unwavering commitment to safeguarding transparent, fair and democratic electoral processes, and thanked him for the professionalism, wisdom and integrity he has brought to this vital role over many years.
A moment of appreciation: David Jones receives recognition for over ten years of dedicated service as IFSW Elections Officer, presented by outgoing Global President Joachim Mumba and incoming Global President Eva Ponce de Leon
A Federation Alive with Participation
Throughout the two-day meeting, delegates engaged in lively and constructive discussions, demonstrating the strength of IFSW’s democratic culture. Reports from the Global Executive, regional leadership, commissions and the Secretariat generated thoughtful questions and reflections, with members contributing numerous interventions from the floor that enriched the discussions and helped shape future priorities for the Federation.
Delegates engage in discussion during the 2026 IFSW General Meeting, reflecting the Federation’s strong culture of democratic participation and global collaboration
The General Meeting considered reports covering regional activities, governance reforms, finance, the work of the Secretariat and the ongoing Good Governance Review. Members also received updates from the Federation’s commissions, including education, ethics, indigenous, United Nations and the future development of the Human Rights Commission.
Delegates approved the admission of new member organisations from Belgium, Benin, Somalia and South Africa, further strengthening the Federation’s global reach and reinforcing IFSW’s commitment to representing social workers in every region of the world.
The meeting also recognised the significant contribution of former Secretary-General Rory Truell, acknowledging his many years of dedicated service to the Federation. More information about his legacy may be found here.
Looking Ahead Together
Members debated a wide range of motions reflecting the diversity of issues facing social workers globally. Discussions addressed matters of governance, professional development, ethical principles, solidarity with social workers in areas affected by conflict, strengthening the profession, membership processes and the future evolution of the Federation’s democratic systems.
While perspectives differed, discussions were characterised by mutual respect, thoughtful deliberation and a shared determination to build an even stronger Federation capable of responding to the changing needs of social workers and the communities they serve.
Newly elected Global President Eva Ponce de Leon said:
“This General Meeting demonstrated the extraordinary strength of our Federation. Across every discussion, members showed their commitment not only to social work, but to one another. I warmly welcome our new member organisations from Belgium, Benin, Somalia and South Africa into the IFSW family. Their admission strengthens our collective voice and reminds us that our Federation continues to grow through solidarity, diversity and shared purpose. Together, we leave Nairobi ready to build a Federation that listens, evolves and acts for social justice, human rights and sustainable development.”
Interim Secretary-General Pascal Rudin added:
“The energy throughout these two days has been remarkable. The many interventions from delegates reflected a Federation that is engaged, diverse and forward-looking. Bringing together member organisations from 81 countries in our first hybrid General Meeting conducted in English, French and Spanish is a significant milestone for IFSW. By expanding participation and making the meeting more accessible, we have strengthened the democratic life of our Federation and ensured that more voices can help shape our shared future.”
The Federation also expressed its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the General Meeting. Particular thanks were extended to the IFSW Secretariat team – Lucia Gandolfi, Bernard Mayaka and Lola Casal-Sánchez – whose professionalism, dedication and months of preparation ensured the smooth organisation and delivery of the meeting. Special recognition was also given to Parliamentarian Nicolai Paulsen for his expert guidance in facilitating fair, orderly and transparent proceedings.
The members of the newly constituted IFSW Executive following their inaugural meeting. Back row (left to right): Abib Ndiaye, Barb Whitenect, Machiko Ohara, Gabriela Rodríguez Vázquez, Teoh Ai Hua and Andreas Pedersen Kikvik. Front row (left to right): Pascal Rudin, Sriganesh MV, Eva Ponce de Leon, Ruth Allen and Oluwatoni Adeleke
The 2026 General Meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, reaffirming IFSW’s role as the global voice of social work and its commitment to advancing the profession through collaboration, solidarity and collective leadership.