On January 23rd, Iran marked its National Social Worker’s Day, coinciding with the birthday of Imam Ali, by hosting the 38th National Social Worker’s Day conference. This year’s theme, “Social Work and Mediation: Change Towards a More Peaceful Future,” brought together forty universities, organisations, ministries, specialised associations, and NGOs in a collaborative effort to celebrate and promote the role of social work in mediation.
The conference, held at the Iran Humanities House of Thinkers, focused on selecting a national social work topic in line with the global theme of transformative change, emphasising the profession’s pivotal role in fostering peace and reducing social harm. The event featured contributions from prominent figures, including Seyed Hassan Mousavi Chalak, president of the Iran Association of Social Workers, and messages of support from the head of the parliament of Iran, recognising the essential role of social workers in society.
Seyed Hassan Mousavi Chalak reflected on the conference’s impact, saying, “This year’s conference not only brought to the forefront the indispensable role of social work in mediation but also marked a significant step towards integrating our efforts with the global community’s pursuit of peace. The widespread participation and the comprehensive media coverage are testaments to the event’s success in illuminating the path to a more peaceful future through the power of social work.”
Machiko Ohara, president of the Asia-Pacific region of IFSW, stated, “Our Asia-Pacific region is frequently hit by natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. We face multifaceted crises such as environmental destruction, poverty, and political disparity. Against this backdrop, social work needs to evolve and adopt innovative and transformative approaches that are community-driven and draw on indigenous wisdom.” This sentiment was echoed in the event, highlighting the global importance of mediation in social work.
Pascal Rudin, acting CEO of IFSW, emphasised the importance of joint endeavours, saying, “Let us remember that our journey towards a more peaceful world is a collaborative one. It requires innovation and a shared commitment across different sectors and disciplines. We must adopt a holistic approach, considering not just immediate issues but also broader social and environmental factors.”
Joachim Mumba, IFSW President, added “This theme is timely as the world is engulfed in violent conflicts due to geopolitical differences, and the Middle East in particular is strongly associated with conflicts affecting too many innocent people, particularly women and children. IFSW is confident that social workers can play a critical role in fostering peace through mediation and effective communication as necessary skill of conflict resolution.”
Highlights of the conference included presentations from these international leaders, underscoring the importance of mediation and the social worker’s role in conflict resolution. The event also featured discussions on the mediation role of social workers in reducing crime, supporting rehabilitated addicts, and protecting children in dangerous situations.
Special presentations by Edward Crook, Professor at the University of British Columbia and President of the International Co-Parenting Association, along with other esteemed speakers, further enriched the dialogue on social work and mediation. The conference also saw the unveiling of the Iran Association of Social Workers’ online membership application system and culminated in a graduation ceremony for social work students, affirming their commitment to the code of ethics of social workers.
Broadcasted live by national radio and set to be widely aired on national television, the conference made significant waves across various media platforms, highlighting the critical role of social work in building a more peaceful society through mediation.