The International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) are delighted to announce the global theme for World Social Work Day 2026:
Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society
Inspired by the African concept of Harambee, meaning pulling together, the theme is both a reminder and a challenge: that the only sustainable way forward in an increasingly divided world is through cooperation, solidarity and shared responsibility. It calls on communities, institutions and individuals everywhere to unite in co-building spaces of belonging, dialogue and resilience. Social workers, grounded in values of dignity, social justice and inclusion, are uniquely positioned to nurture these collective efforts, particularly in contexts shaped by conflict, inequality, displacement and ecological crisis.
The theme highlights that peace is more than the absence of violence, it is the active presence of justice, participation and trust. Harambee emphasises that no single actor can address today’s challenges alone; instead, hope and harmony emerge when people “pull together” across borders, cultures and sectors. As a Kenyan proverb affirms, “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.”
Reflecting this vision, the spirit of Harambee will also be celebrated during the 2026 World Conference on Social Work and Social Development in Nairobi, Kenya, where educators, practitioners, policy leaders and communities will gather to collectively shape pathways toward unity, hope and transformative social development.
IASSW, ICSW and IFSW warmly invite the global social work community to embrace this call, and to bring Harambee, hope and harmony to life in their local, regional and global actions.
Antoinette Lombard, IASSW President, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the theme:
“Harambee speaks to our shared humanity. As educators and mentors, we carry the responsibility to inspire future generations to see themselves as builders of hope. This theme invites our schools, universities and training institutions to cultivate learning spaces rooted in harmony, empathy and collective purpose. It reminds us that social work education is not only about knowledge, but about shaping the heart of society.”
Sergei Zelenev, ICSW President, highlighted the collective potential of global partnerships:
“Today’s social challenges require collaborative responses that connect sectors, disciplines and communities. Harambee is a timely reminder that we must pull together to influence social policies that are inclusive and equitable. By standing together, we can design systems that promote justice, security and opportunity for all. This theme embodies the spirit of partnership that is critical in our efforts to advance global social development.”
Joachim Mumba, IFSW President, highlighted the profession’s unique role in uniting people and advancing a just, sustainable future:
“Social workers are present in every corner of society, standing alongside communities as they navigate adversity. We walk with people as they rebuild bonds, restore trust and strengthen resilience. The call to co-build hope and harmony reminds us that no challenge is too great when we move forward together. This is the spirit of the People’s Charter for an Eco-Social World: an invitation to connect humanity through shared values, shared responsibility and shared hope. It urges us to work collectively for a world where dignity, participation, sustainability and peace form the foundation of our common future.”
World Social Work Day 2026 will be an opportunity for social workers and partners across the globe to celebrate the power of unity, amplify community voices and demonstrate the profession’s leadership in shaping more harmonious and resilient societies.
It will be a moment to stand together and affirm that when humanity unites in Harambee, no dream of justice, peace and dignity is beyond reach.
A very special thank you goes to designer Martha Rothblum, whose creativity and commitment have shaped the visual identity of this year’s theme.
Click the button below to read more about the theme, download the poster, or submit a translation: