A special issue of Practice. Social Work in Action dedicated to the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development has just been released. The substantive editorial by George Palattiyil, Alison McInnes, and Janet Walker effectively sets the scene for the ensuing discussions. Their insightful editorial provides a comprehensive overview of the Global Agenda’s significance, its historical development, and its pivotal role in guiding the social work profession through the myriad challenges of the 21st century.
Former IFSW President and coordinator of the Global Agenda, David N Jones, reflects on the essential nature of this endeavor. “The Global Agenda represents a crucial commitment of the social work profession to come together, not only to envision a more equitable and sustainable world but also to explore what needs to be done to make this a reality. Through these papers, diverse perspectives and innovative solutions that highlight the agenda’s profound impact on social work practice and education globally are shared.”
Among the featured papers, Jones’ own work, “The Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development: A Conflicted Global Concept?” evaluates the agenda’s influence and relevance, particularly within the UK context.
The issue further explores the integration of the Global Agenda within the Republic of Cyprus, presented by Pentaris and colleagues. Their paper delves into the challenges faced by Cypriot social workers and offers strategies to enhance social solidarity and community engagement.
McBride, Graham, Mugyisha, and McInnes offer a perspective from Uganda with their research on child feeding practices, linking the Global Agenda to practical solutions for combating child mortality in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Acar, Çakar, Acar, and Çiftçi provide a critical analysis of social work in Turkey, questioning the Global Agenda’s relevance and application amidst the challenges posed by neoliberal policies and the erosion of professional values within the country.
Lastly, the collaboration between social work professionals from Hope Africa University in Burundi and Oxford Brookes University in the UK, led by Childs and his team, introduces a decolonizing approach to social work research. Their paper underscores the importance of indigenous knowledge and cross-cultural collaboration in advancing the Global Agenda.
This special issue not only highlights the indispensable role of social work in addressing global challenges but also serves as a call to action for social workers, educators, and practitioners to further engage with the Global Agenda’s principles, ensuring its successful implementation across diverse contexts.
Read the full issue here: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cpra20/36/2