The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) is pleased to share that a feature on Global President Eva Ponce de Leon’s recent official visit to Thailand has been published in Thai language by SpringNews, one of Thailand’s national online news platforms. The article highlights her vision for caring societies, community resilience, and international cooperation in social work.
Link to original article: https://www.springnews.co.th/news/hot-issue/864417
Below is an English translation of the article.
Asia’s First IFSW President Highlights Thailand as a Global Model for Social Work and Community Resilience
SpringNews, Bangkok, Thailand | July 2026
The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) President, Eva P. Ponce de Leon, the first Asian to lead the Federation in its nearly 100-year history, has highlighted Thailand as a global example of community-based social work, disaster preparedness, and volunteerism during her official visit to Thailand.
The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening regional and global cooperation for social work. During the visit, the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand under the Royal Patronage (NCSWT) and the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a strategic partnership to promote professional development, knowledge exchange, research, and international collaboration in social welfare and social work.
Reflecting on her vision as IFSW President, Eva P. Ponce de Leon emphasized the importance of building Caring Societies and Caring Cities, where development is measured not only by economic growth or physical infrastructure, but also by the strength of human relationships, inclusion, solidarity, and collective responsibility.
“A truly developed society is one where people care for one another. Strong communities are built through compassion, participation, and shared responsibility.”
Thailand has become an important source of inspiration for this vision. As one of Asia’s rapidly ageing societies, Thailand has demonstrated how families, communities, volunteers, and civil society organizations can work together to support older persons and other vulnerable populations through community-based care and social solidarity.
President Ponce de Leon also stressed that climate change and increasing natural disasters require a shift in social work practice, from responding after disasters to investing in preparedness, resilience, and community capacity before disasters occur.
Drawing on her own experience growing up in the disaster-prone Bicol Region of the Philippines, she noted that resilience begins long before emergencies happen.
“Communities should be empowered before disasters strike. Social work is not only about recovery, it is about building resilience and preparing people to face future challenges.”
She praised Thailand’s rapid community response during disasters and its strong culture of volunteerism as examples of effective social protection in action.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the visit, she said, was Thailand’s extensive volunteer network coordinated through the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand. With millions of volunteers working alongside local communities, Thailand demonstrates that protecting children, supporting older persons, empowering persons with disabilities, and assisting vulnerable populations is a shared responsibility of society.
The visit reaffirmed IFSW’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, promoting community-led social development, advancing climate-informed social work, and supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As IFSW approaches its centenary, President Ponce de Leon reaffirmed that the future of social work lies in stronger global solidarity, locally led innovation, and caring communities where no one is left behind.