The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) is pleased to announce that its newly elected Global President, Eva Ponce de Leon, has completed her first official overseas mission since being elected at the IFSW General Meeting on 24 June 2026. The visit marks the beginning of a new chapter of international engagement focused on strengthening partnerships, advancing social justice, and fostering global solidarity.
From 13 to 21 July 2026, President Ponce de Leon travelled to Thailand, accompanied by Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, President of the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI), and Roy R. Luntayao, Incoming Executive Director of PASWI. The visit brought together leading social work and social welfare organisations in Thailand to strengthen professional relationships, exchange knowledge, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
The programme advanced the emerging Thailand-Philippines-IFSW Strategic Partnership Framework, demonstrating how regional collaboration can strengthen professional excellence, social innovation, South-South cooperation, and global solidarity. Throughout the visit, discussions highlighted the vital role of social workers in responding to shared social challenges while reinforcing connections across the Asia-Pacific region and the wider global social work community.
As part of the programme, President Ponce de Leon met with Wilaiporn Kotbungkair, IFSW Asia-Pacific Representative to the United Nations Regional Office in Bangkok, to discuss opportunities for strengthening social work advocacy within the United Nations system and expanding regional collaboration in advancing human rights and social development.
Left to right: Wilaiporn Kotbungkair, IFSW Asia-Pacific Representative to the United Nations Regional Office in Bangkok, and Eva Ponce de Leon, IFSW President
The delegation also visited the Faculty of Social Administration at Thammasat University, where they met with Associate Professor Dr. Atchara Chalayannavin, Dean of the Faculty, together with other faculty representatives. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between Thammasat University and IFSW in advancing social work education, research, and professional development. Particular attention was given to the shared challenges facing the profession, including addressing social inequalities, protecting the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations, promoting human rights, and equipping social workers to respond effectively to increasingly complex and rapidly changing social realities.
Meeting with the Dean and representatives of Thammasat University
The meeting also explored opportunities to expand international academic cooperation through joint research, knowledge exchange, academic activities, and stronger connections between students, educators, practitioners, and the global social work community. The Dean reaffirmed the Faculty’s commitment to taking an active role within both IFSW Asia-Pacific and the global Federation while strengthening collaboration with universities, civil society organisations, and NGOs across Thailand. Together, these partnerships aim to strengthen the profession and contribute to ensuring that no one is left behind.
Reflecting on the visit, President Eva Ponce de Leon said:
“It has been a privilege to undertake my first official international visit as IFSW President in Thailand. I have been inspired by the commitment, leadership and vision of our colleagues across professional associations, universities, civil society and the United Nations community. Our discussions have reaffirmed that by sharing knowledge, strengthening education, and building international partnerships, we can better advance social justice, uphold human rights, and ensure that no one is left behind. I look forward to building on these relationships as we continue strengthening our global Federation.”
IFSW President Eva Ponce de Leon addressing the meeting
The visit reaffirmed the longstanding commitment of Thailand and the Philippines to the values and vision of IFSW. It also demonstrated the important contribution that universities, professional associations, civil society organisations, and international institutions make in shaping the future of social work. Through strengthened cooperation and shared leadership, these partnerships will help build a more connected and resilient global profession, ensuring that social workers are well equipped to support individuals, families, and communities, particularly those facing the greatest vulnerabilities.
As her first official international mission as IFSW President, the visit sets the tone for a presidency grounded in partnership, dialogue, academic collaboration, and collective leadership. IFSW looks forward to working with members and partners across all regions to further strengthen the global social work profession and advance social justice worldwide.