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International Federation of Social Workers

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What is Social Work?

Social work is a game changer. Social workers work in communities with people finding positive ways forward in the challenges they face in their lives. They help people build the kind of environments in which they want to live, through co-determination, co-production and social responsibility. Economic health cannot be achieved without social health.

Ethical Practice

Human rights and social justice are critical in any social workers thinking and actions. The Statement of Ethical principles guides each social worker to challenge inequalities, discrimination in all its forms and empower people to be in charge of their lives, providing that they do not seek to harm or abuse people.

Social Protection & Transformational Change

Charity does not bring change, can create dependency. Social protection is a community responsibility, but it also should lead to inclusion and social cohesion in our societies. Social workers have skills, knowledge and expertise to work alongside people and support them on that journey through change so that they can achieve individual and collective well being

The Economics of Social Work

  • For every dollar spent on social services, there is a $3 return on investment to the national economy
  • Social work investment builds social cohesion and peace.
  • Co-production gets people into employment
  • Social work is the largest non-political movement globally for peace and social justice

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What is Social Work?

  • Global Definition of Social Work
  • Meet Social Workers from around the world
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Key documents

  • Global Definition of Social Work
  • Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles 
  • The Role of Social Work in Social Protection Systems
  • The People’s Charter for a New-Eco Social World

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