INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF
SOCIAL WORKERS ASIA PACIFIC REGION(IFSW-AP)

NEWSLETTERISSUE 2, MAY 2024

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SOCIAL WORKERSASIA PACIFIC REGION (IFSW-AP)
NEWSLETTERISSUE 2, MAY 2024
This issue includes:
Editorial
News from round-about• Summary Report of the 27th Asia Paci�ic Regional Conference• The IFSW-Asia Paci�ic Regional General Meeting• Pre-conference Workshop• Message from the President• Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training• Fostering Transformation: Collaborative Empowerment for Social
Progress in Afghanistan1Summary Report of the 27th
Asia Paci�ic Regional Conference"The Sustainable Development Goals Halfway Point: Social
Work's Contributions to Social Development."
obstacles, including conceptual barriers, lackof government prioritization, resource
shortages, and data accessibility issues,
underscoring the urgent need for social
work's involvement in addressing these global
challenges.
Social workers and their organizations
are urged to intensify SDG implementation at
the local level, focusing on reachingmarginalized communities, fostering
partnerships, and advocating for policychanges. The signi�icance of social work to
SDGs is evident, with 117 out of 169 targets
aligning with social work practices,emphasizing the profession's pivotal role inachieving comprehensive and inclusive SDGs.
It is clear that the role of social workers is key
at any level of practice and they are in the best
position to in�luence decision-making related
to SDGs and other relevant concerns. Their
training and understanding of ground realities
can provide realistic and effective inputs forplanning strategies and other strategic dataneeded for SDG implementation.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of social work
i n te r ve n t i o n c a n b e e n h a n c e d bytransformational leadership, where visionary
leadership inspires and motivates individuals,
teams, and organizations to advocate forsystemic change and policy reforms alignedwith SDG objectives.

The Asia Paci�ic Regional Conference,
which was organized and hosted by The
Philippines Association of Social Workers, Inc,
successfully held in Cebu city, The Philippinesfrom November 5 to 7, 2023, under the theme"The Sustainable Development Goals Halfway
Point: Social Work's Contributions to Social
Development." featured active discussions onsustainable development goals, perspectives,
and the role of the social work profession.
Over 1,000 participants from the host country
and 18 member-nations of the International
Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) engaged
in dialogue through various sessions.
While the world has reached the
midpoint of the SDGs, only 15% of the targets
are on track, with many regressing. Challenges
such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climatechange, and con�licts are exacerbating impacts
on food security, health, education, theenvironment, and peace. Nations face unique2

professional and community groups);
Innovators (stimulating mindset changes);
Capacity builders, educators, trainers, andmentors; SDG Champions (linking global goals
with national, local, and community realities
and responses); Human rights defenders(advocating for social justice, gender equality,
and child protection); Empowered social
workers; and Researchers (implementing
related work with evidence-based
approaches).
Addressing disability issues, SDGs
serve as a framework to guide all stakeholders
at regional, national, and local community
levels toward the achievement of
disability-inclusive sustainable development.
Key actions encouraged include
m a i n s t re a m i n g d i s a b i l i t y i n S D G
implementation at all levels, ensuring theinclusion of persons with disabilities and theirrepresentatives in decision-making processes
and policy implementation, empowering
persons with disabilities and their families
for self-advocacy, and providing resources,
information, and support to enable them toeffectively express their needs, rights, andconcerns.

Additionally, a variety of proposed
strategies aimed at expediting the attainmentof the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
have been proposed. These strategies
encompass the integration of SDGs into social
work education, harnessing the potential of
digital technology to enhance access andcommunication, fostering partnerships withthe private sector to secure �inancing, andlocalizing SDGs to facilitate swift and effective
implementation at the grassroots level. These
initiatives collectively re�lect a concerted
effort to accelerate progress towards
achieving the SDGs and address pressing
global challenges through comprehensive andinnovative approaches.
Highlighting the fundamental
principles of "Leave no one behind" and "Unity
in diversity," the conference brings to theforefront the crucial signi�icance ofpartnership across global, national, and local
spheres as the cornerstone for achieving
success in the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). This emphasis underscores theimperative need for collaboration andcooperation among diverse stakeholders toensure inclusivity and equitable progress
towards realizing the SDGs' objectives on acomprehensive scale.

To advance towards achieving theSDGs, it has been emphasized that social
workers could make a more criticalcontribution to society by facilitating
sustainable social outcomes that enablepeople and their communities to reach theirpotential. The roles of social workers andother service professionals could be further
strengthened to serve as Partnership builders(developing and implementing policies andprograms, and establishing links with
3

The IFSW-Asia Paci�ic Regional
General Meeting
The IFSW-Asia Paci�ic Regional
General Meeting took place on
November 7, 2023, in Cebu City,
Philippines, withrepresentatives from
11 member countries and2 observers from Indonesia
and New Zealand.
A signi�icant commission reportpresented was the disbandment of the Human
Rights Commission due to a lack of clarity anddirection. However, the Global Executive
Committee will rede�ine its purpose forfurther discussion. Additionally, plans toenhance IFSW's presence at the UN andexpand membership, with a focus oncommemorating ESCAP's 80th anniversary
and participating in high-level UN forums,
were highlighted.
In the Global Agenda and Updates,
there was a reaf�irmation of the commitment
to engage with UN Human Rights despite thepause in the Human Rights Commission. The
importance of ongoing collaboration on socialand educational issues, to be discussed further
at the next Global General Meeting, wasemphasized. Regarding the humanitariancrisis in Gaza, Palestine, efforts to issue
relevant statements will continue, aiming foralignment across IFSW regions. Moreover, thelaunch of the Global Agenda theme for World
Social Work Day 2024, "Buen Vivir," focusing
on Shared Future for Transformative Change,
was reported. It was also announced that the
Sri Lankan Association of Social Workers will
host the next Conference in Colombo, Sri
Lanka.

4During the presentation session ofcountry member reports, each representative
shared signi�icant updates and initiatives.
China discussed recent engagements,
including a gathering in Shenzhen to addresssocial work issues. Hong Kong reported theestablishment of new chapters focusing on
mental health and ethnically diverse social
work, along with initiatives such as a hotline
support, podcasts, and collaborations withneighborhood centers. India announced an
upcoming international conference in Chennai
in February 2024. Japan highlighted efforts
to address child abuse, enhance support
systems, and advocate for children’s rights
through collaboration with agencies andsystem improvements. Malaysia outlined
initiatives such as curriculum mapping,addressing migration-related issues, andpromoting indigenous knowledge in social
work practice. New Zealand highlighted
achievements such as the rati�ication on pay
equity against male-dominated professions
and plans for its 60th anniversary, with a focus
on indigenous social work. South Korea
addressed issues tackled by the KASW's new
executive committee and plans to raiseawareness of social work in the upcoming
general election. And Thailand provided
updates on collaborations with UNICEF andthe organization of World Social Work Day
2023.

5

Pre-conference
Workshop

The Pre-conference
Workshop entitled"Disaster Preparedness,
Mitigation, andRehabilitation:
Social Work Perspective"
Following a short break, the delegatesparticipated in group discussions forapproximately 30 minutes. They addressed
questions concerning the value, role, andsigni�icance of social work in disaster relief
efforts, as well as the critical competencies
required by social workers in this �ield.
Additionally, they discussed how IFSW-AP
could offer support for such endeavors, sharedknowledge and skills acquired during theworkshop applicable to their workplaces, andexchanged any other relevant thoughts fordiscussion and sharing.
Subsequently, each group presented
its views and recommendations, with themoderator, Rose Henderson, summarizing
their points and concluding the workshop.

The Pre-conference Workshop entitled"Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, andRehabilitation: Social Work Perspective" took
place on November 4, 2023, in Cebu City,
Philippines, gathering 70 delegates from morethan 15 IFSW-AP country members. The
session commenced with an introduction by
the IFSW-AP Vice President, followed by awelcome message from the PASWI National
President, and a speech by the workshop
Chairperson and Moderator. This was
succeeded by presentations from three
distinguished speakers representing
Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines,
respectively, who delved into social work
interventions in disaster relief efforts acrossdifferent nations.
6

Message from the President

IFSW-AP Conference anextraordinary success in thePhilippines

Machiko OHARA Ph.D.
President of the International
Federation of Social Workers Asia
Paci�ic Region

As President, I would like to thank PASWI for
hosting the 27th Asia-Paci�ic Regional Conference inCebu City, Philippines in November 2023.
In particular, I would like to thank President
Rosauro Luntayao and Eva Ponce de Leon and the
PASWI Board of Directors for accepting IFSW-AP'sconference proposal and making the conference a
success. I would also like to express my sincere thanks
to Joachim Mumba, President of IFSW, and Pascal Rudin
for their participations. Theme was “The Sustainable
Development Goals Halfway Point: Social Work’sContributions to Social Development”.
The conference also provided delegates withnew knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Most importantof all was the view that leaders are made, not born.
This requires new insights into communication skills,
networking skills, leadership, initiative, innovation,and critical competencies.
The SDGs were discussed extensively andintensively, which satis�ied the participants and ful�illed
their expectations. They also recognized that given thecurrent situation for the Asia-Paci�ic region in which
we live, efforts will be needed to achieve any of the 17
SDGs agendas for 2030.

Happy World Social Work Day 2024!

I am grateful and proud to be a member of
IFSW and to see the efforts of those involved in social
work for social justice, peace and equality in India.
Also, I understand that their activities contributesigni�icantly to social development from Asia- Paci�ic
to the world.
World Social Work Day will be held on March
19, 2024. This year's theme is "Buen Vivir: A Shared
Future for Transformative Change," rooted in the Global
Agenda and emphasizing the need for social workers

7

to adopt innovative community-driven approaches
rooted in indigenous wisdom and harmonious
coexistence with nature.
Our Asia-Paci�ic region for the region faces
multidimensional crises, including violent con�lict,environmental degradation, persistent poverty andpolitical disparity. This reality requires social work to
evolve and adopt innovative and transformative
approaches that are community-driven and imbued
with indigenous wisdom. The principles of Buen Vivir
emphasize that true well-being is achievable whencommunities live in harmony with nature and work
together for balanced development.
This indigenous philosophy emphasizes theimportance of interconnectedness, reciprocity,
correspondence, and complementarity in humanrelationships and ties with nature. We for the
Asia-Paci�ic region respect that philosophy and seek
to uphold these principles to foster an eco-social globalthat thrives on inclusion, respect, mutual
understanding, and the defense of human rights.
We, in IFSW-AP believe in recognizing andshowcasing each other’s strength, celebrating unity
through diversity, interconnectedness across borders,and more importantly, the ties that bring us arestronger than those that wish to tear us apart.
As we gather today, let us once again provethat there is strength in numbers, and as Social Workers
on the world, we are strong, united and determined.
World Social Work Day events will take placein various countries. Through this event, I hope to see
more social work transformation and development in
the future.

Global Standards
for Social Work Education and Training
The Updated Global Standards
for Social Work Education andTraining: The New Chapter In
Social Work Profession
The International Association of
Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and theInternational Federation of Social Workers(IFSW) have been announcing the launch of
the Global Standards for Social Work
Education and Training in 2019. For the past
years between 2004 and 2019, the lengthy
document was used as a reference for guiding
the contents of social work education for themember countries.
The updated Global Standards forSocial Work Education and Training is a
product of the extensive global consultationthat lasted for more than 18 months andincluded a wide range of social work
academics, practitioners and experts by
experience across 125 countries, represented
by 5 Regional Associations and approximately
400 Universities and Further Education
Organisations. In addition, members of thejoint task force facilitated two internationalseminars involving service user
representatives.
The consultation, analysis anddevelopment of the document wasco-ordinated by a joint task group comprising
the IASSW’s Global Standards Taskforce and
IFSW Global Education Commission. The task
group was chaired by Professor Dixon Sookraj
and Professor Vasilios Ioakimidis. The
updated Global Standards were approved by
the membership of IASSW and IFSW throughthe biennial General Meetings of the twoorganisations in the period June – July 2020.

Mariko Kimura, Ph.D.

Regional Education Commissioner,
Past President of IFAP, and Vice President of IFSW
President, AISW：Association for International
Social Work

2004, when the �irst version of the standards
was launched. The adoption of a new Global
De�inition of Social Work (2014), thepublication of the updated Global Social Work
Statement of Ethical Principles (2018), andthe new Global Agenda (2020) require that
the Global Standards for Social Work
Education and Training document also re�lects
broader changes and recent developments inglobal social work. These developments also
include social work’s role in supporting
bottom up development to meet theaspirations of the SDGs, ensuring countries
that are new to social work have global peers
to support the advancement of social work
education free from colonial in�luences andcreating platforms for Indigenous and local
approaches to shape curricula and relevant
courses.
The speci�ic aims of the new Global
Standards for Social Work Education andTraining are:• Ensure consistency in the provisionof social work education while appreciating
and valuing diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Ensure that Social Work education
adheres to the values and policies of theprofession as articulated by the IASSW and
IFSW.
• Support and safeguard staﬀ, students

Rationale for change and aims of the newStandards
The social work education and practicelandscape has changed signi�icantly since8and service users involved in the education
process.
• Ensure that the next generation ofsocial workers have access to excellent quality
learning opportunities that also incorporatesocial work knowledge deriving fromresearch, experience, policy and practice.
• Nurture a spirit of collaboration andknowledge transfer between different social
work schools and between social work
education, practice and research.
• Support social work schools to
become thriving, well-resourced, inclusive
and participatory teaching and learning
environments.
(For further details of the document,
please check the IFSW and IASSW website.)time aims for ideas related to social work
educational reform, which are described
below:• Understand the negative in�luences
and consequences of colonialism andimperialism on the development of SW.
• Understand the increasing numberof common issues nationally, regionally, andglobally, and challenges affecting SW
education and practice• In particular, awareness anddevelopment are occurring based onsustainable development, climate change, andthe UN's SDGs goals.
• There are circumstances leading to
the specialization (majors) anddecentralization of education and practicalcurricula.

Some of the dilemmas, issues anddebates contained in the GS document include
as follows--First, universality vs. diversity;
oppressive political structures vs.
educators/students in protective roles; theimpact of colonialism vs. different approaches
to s e r v i c e u s e r e n ga g e m e n t ; a n dinterpretations of issues of equality andoppression. lack of resources; diversity ofepistemological approaches (interdisciplinary
relationships, health, social science versus
biological psychology debates, school formats,etc.); degree of control by relevant
institutions; The underlying curriculum;
differences in the subject selection trends ofeducational institutions depending on theregion, etc. are assumed.
On the other hand, there are common
philosophies and elements at the global level
regarding social work education and practice.
Human rights, for example, they should be
expressed as global standards. These include
the current situation in which the historical,
social/cultural, economic, and politicalbackgrounds of SW practices are diverse
across countries and around the world;
diversity in practice; diversity in mechanisms
and resources; and diversity in the degree ofprofessional development and evolution, andso on.
In the socio-political and cultural
climates of the world mentioned above, eachregion asserts its orientation and at the same

Social work education that re�lects socialchanges including globalization andadvances in science and technology
Due to changes in globalization,
various electronic technologies, and ways oftransmitting knowledge, methods of social
work practice, education, and data
accumulation are evolving, and the meaningof sharing these technologies around theworld is being recognized around the world.
It has reached this point.
An even bigger in�luence is thatawareness of human rights, changes in therelationship in social work with the parties(service users) that social work had
previously treated include self-determination,
and awareness of rights have led to a processof reconsidering the nature of social work.
This has also in�luenced and led to theformation of today's GS documents for social
work education and professional training.

Sociopolitical backgroundIn the Asia-Paci�ic region, social
problems have become more apparent due toindustrialization and social changes, and therole of social workers has begun to berecognized that require policies and systemicchanges in social services by the government.
In recent years there has been a movement
toward the development of social worker
registration systems in some countries in Asia.
9Several Asian countries have establishedquali�ication systems that include national
exams for social workers. In Japan, a quarterof a century has already passed since 1987,
when the system of social workers and theprecision of certi�ied care workers were
established. Mental health social workers
quali�ication system was created later.
Revisions to the system are carried out
regularly, and these revisions place emphasison domestic social changes, and secondarily,
the global context. The quali�ication systemfor certi�ied care workers in Japan for
instance, which was created at the same time
when the certi�ied system of social workers
came into being, can be said to have been
greatly in�luenced by the socio-political andeconomic context.

intentions but also their life experiences as
parties involved in the direction of newservices. There is a trend towards increasing
the number of individuals and service
providers (WHO Regional Of�ice for Europe,
2018).
The above trends also apply to social
work education, as the educational
environment of global society demands thatthe creation of services is multifaceted andreceptive to diverse resources and actors. This
indicates that there is a tendency of major
cities around the world to anticipate “glocal”
trend (a term coined by European researchers
to describe the state of European cities,
combining the words local and global; Lions,
Dominelli et al., 2017) . It re�lects the future
situation, and it can be said that Japan is also
required to take measures that anticipate andprepare for the future.

Involvement of service users in social work
education
Several factors that have contributed
to the changes that are taking place on the
new trends of social work education
standards. One of these factors include theinvolvement of service users. Service users
are now recognized as experts with liedexperience. This is not something that has
just started; it has been an issue that has
existed since the 1970s. In a way that we arefamiliar with, people with disabilities had astrong meaning of demonstrating their
independence to service providers throughthe opportunity for people with disabilities
to hire their own care providers.

Challenges in further advancing Global
Standards in social work education inJapan
In the Global Standards document forsocial work, the section on social work seenfrom the background and situation is listed
as ``contents that should be included in
educational programs''. The items below areconsidered to be critical that require further
development.
• Considers a critical understanding of
how structural de�iciencies, discrimination,o p p re s s i o n , a n d s o c i a l , p o l i t i c a l ,environmental, and economic injustices
impact human development at all levels,
including globally. There must be.
• Knowledge of how traditions, culture,
beliefs, religion, and customs in�luence humandevelopment across disabilities, including
how they may serve as resources or barriers
to growth.
• Knowledge of human rights, social
movements, and their interrelationships withissues related to class, gender, ethnicity/race.
• Focus on structural issues affecting
marginalized, vulnerable and minority
populations. (IASSW-IFSW,2020).
The above items are considered to be
an item that asks whether the elements ofJapan's social work curriculum match theParticipation of the immigrants withservice development in the super global
cities in Europe and social work
undertakings
The other factor that we see is in theworld's super-global cities (big cities in theworld where multicultural trends arepromoted) tend to become even more
multicultural (Casal, 2022). In these cities,
elderly people, who are originally treated as
migrant workers and those who have become
citizens of these cities who have diverse
cultural backgrounds participate in theplanning and operation of services
themselves, feedback not only their own

10content proposed by GS.

knowledge and experience for theirpost-graduation jobs. In this sense, having aquality that prepares students for work will
be a motivation for students entering the �ieldof practical education. It has also beenreported that some European countries do
not have a suf�iciently developed system forpractical education (IFSW Europe, 2021).
Next, there are the challenges ofpractical training in a globalized, multiculturalcontext. Under these circumstances, thequestion is whether many social workers, whohave received training in professional training
systems that re�lect Japan's systems andculture for example, can adequately respondto the needs of service users of diverse
cultures. arise.
This is an issue related to the natureof the curriculum. Regarding curriculum
development, there have been two main typesof subject settings to date: preparing subjects
specialized for subjects with speci�ic needs,
or providing universal subjects withgeneral-purpose curriculum content. It's here.
Rather than creating a multicultural
curriculum, the author's idea is to add
versatility to the traditional social work
curriculum and foster the ability for students
to �lexibly engage in diverse practices without
hesitation. I think this is important.

Issues related to colonialism andimperialism and development ofindigenous curriculum development
Due to the in�luence of colonialism andimperialism, Western social work theory andpractice methods were introduced
irrespective of the socio-cultural soil ofdifferent regions (for example, Africa), andtheir legacies and aftereffects are still being
used today in various ways in social work.
Social work research literature andresearchers have noted and criticized thatsocial work education is also affected (Gray,
Coates, & Bird, Eds, 2006; Pawer, 2012; Cox& Pawel, 2005; Martinez, 2020).
Regarding this, discussions havebecome more active in various regions sincethe 2020s, such as initiatives tailored to local
communities, critical social work education,
and which academic �ield social work shouldbe placed in. In Africa, there is a movement insome schools to call for change by presentinga scale for evaluating the current situationand content of educational institutions andeducators regarding the items indicated by
GS and efforts to adopt indigenous curricula
and textbooks (Discussion through IFSW Ed
Comission, 2022).
Movements of young social workers in
Europe and Africa—Trying to �ill the gaps
between the present social work training
system and the send of the young people
There are other issues besides this.
One is the content of social work practicaleducation. At IFSW Europe, young social
workers (social workers who have notreceived university education for many years)
organized a group and conducted a survey on
the state of social work education (IFSW
Europe, 2021). According to the descriptive
answers, some of the answers included thatsocial work training does not have the kindof worksite that they expect, and that thetraining requirements for students are notconducive to their post-graduation work. It isbeing sent. Students expect that the practicalexperience they receive during their degree
will provide them with background

Critical social work concepts that are
re-discovered
The urgent need and challenge inJapanese social work education is the needfor developing cultural competency amongsocial workers to work with multicultural
population in the changing society. In 2022,with some social work colleagues, the author
has published ``Understanding International
Social Work: Theory and Practice for Successin the World'' (Chuo Hoki, co-editor, 2022, bySpringer Press) and “Remaking Social Workfor the New Global Era”. The author had theother opportunity to write a chapter withJapanese and Singaporean social workcolleagues (Virag, Tan, Kimura, et al., 2022,
same as the above book). In a chapter of thisbook, key words from an interview with aSingaporean social worker stated which had
important meaning, that should apply to any

11social work beyond cultures and time, whichmeans universal implications. The interviews
extracted the qualities of social workers in
the global era from the voices of social
workers in the �ield. In addition to so-called
multicultural social work competencies
ranging from micro to meso-macro, this social
worker also mentioned social workers'
qualities as human beings. Similar references
can be found in international social work texts,
where these two qualities are “humility” and“tenacity”. At the same time, it is necessary
to train students and social workers in
multicultural response based on theirknowledge and to develop the ability to accept
different cultures, both as individuals and asa system. The elements contained in the two
keywords related to people who havedeveloped social skills can be said to becommon elements required of all social
workers who deal with multiculturalism in
the global era.
Keywords used in interviews with
Singaporean social workers have importantmeaning. The meaning of the words extracted
from the voices of social workers in Singapore
in the �ield and the qualities in the above
studies appear to highlight what is common,
indispensable, and shared in the global era.
In addition to so-called multicultural social
work competencies ranging from micro tomeso-macro, the above two terms stress theunique qualities that social workers agree tohold as human beings.
It is necessary to train students andsocial workers in multicultural response
based on their knowledge and to develop theability to accept different cultures, both asindividuals and as a system.

teachers, but also includes feedback on the
curriculum from the perspective of students
and social workers from professionalorganizations, and the involvement of service
users in education. The outcome of theapplication of this document should be able
to tell in the future to come by evaluating theefforts of those who are involved.
Furthermore, social work education aroundthe world is undergoing changes, including
active efforts by countries that have been
exposed to the in�luence of colonialism overtheir long history to reconsider their own
education practices.

References
Cox,D., & Pawar, M. (2005). Internationalsocial work: Issues, strategies and programs,
sage, Publications.
Gray,M. Coates, J. & Bird, M.Y. (Eds), (2005),
Indigenous social work around the world.
Advances in Social Work, Fall,10 (2), p155.
IASSW & IFSW. (2020). Global standards forsocial work education and training.
https://www.ifsw.org/global-standards-forsocial-work-education-and-training/
Kimura, M., Ohara, M. & Takeda, J. (2022).
Knowledge for International Social Work:—theories and practical knowledge.
Chuo-Hoki, Japan.
Pawer, M. with the assistance of Ming-sum
Tsui, (2012). Social Work in Southern andEastern Asia, International Social Work,
pp407-420. Sage.
Virag, V., Jin Chung,Y., Tiong, NT. & Kimura, M.
et al. (2022) Globalisation and the future ofsocial work practice and education, In
Remaking Social Work for the New Global Era,
pp115-128. Springer Press.
WHO Europe (2018). Health of older refugees
and migrants: teaching guidance.

Social work challenges in the glocal society
The new movement toward changes
in social work curriculum development,
education, and training in the new Global
Standard has just begun. “Glocal” socialchanges are also having an impact on social
work education in Japan. We should draw
attention to the fact that we are in a situation
where we cannot stand by and watch. This
revised GS document not only addresses theinvolvement of educational institutions and12

Fostering Transformation:
Collaborative Empowerment
for Social Progress in Afghanistan
Ikramuddin Shari�iand Fardeen Youso�iAf�iliation: Massoud Ayoubi

Introduction of ASO
The Afghanistan Social Workers
Professional Organization (ASO) is a
non-political, non-pro�it, andnon-governmental organization establishedin 2018. ASO not only supports thedevelopment of social work but also works
on poverty alleviation by providing resources
for social well-being, social protection,
promoting human rights, education, andhealth services.
Moreover, ASO works to support good
governance and the rule of law in Afghansociety. It was established by social work
professionals and is led by Mr. Massoud
Ayoubi, a professional social worker andformer head of the social work and childwelfare department at the Ministry of Labor& Social Affairs. ASO feels a responsibility toprotect, promote, and maintain the safety andwell-being of the public and social workers
throughout Afghanistan.
ASO has of�ices in 7 regions across thecountry, including Kabul. The organizationhas 18 employees at headquarters and 3
employees in each regional of�ice.
Additionally, ASO has 175 professional
members and over 205 Para-professional
including social workers and other social
service providers.

The organization operates based on coreprogram principles or thematic areas,
which include:
1. Driving Improvement
2. Developing a Strong Social Work
Community
3. Providing Public Con�idence
4. Poverty Reduction
5. Women Empowerment
6. Promoting Good Governance &Huma Rights
7. Networking and Advocacy

13

ASO also holds memberships invarious national and international networks
such as CPAN (Child Protection Action
Network), NACG-AFG (National Action and
Coordination Group), and maintains contact
with the South Asia Initiative to End Violenceagainst Children (SAIEVAC) and the South
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC). These connections have provided
ASO with exposure and opportunities toclosely work towards improving the lifestyleof marginalized people.

IFSW's Collaborative Journey with ASO:
• Against the backdrop of
Afghanistan's formidable challenges and theretraction of international support, ASO
sought a strategic alliance with IFSW.
• A distinguished delegation, including
Rory Truell (Secretary-General of IFSW),
Ana Radulescu (Europe President and Global
Vice President of IFSW), and Hamed Olamaee(International Of�icer of the Iranian
Association of Social Workers), embarked ona purposeful visit to Afghanistan on January
25.
• This profound endeavor, endorsedby the Afghan government, facilitated crucial
dialogues with diverse ministries tounderscore social work's intrinsic role inpropelling the nation's socio-economic fabric.

Celebrating Social Workers' Day: A Uni�ied
Vision:• Amidst the formidable challenges
and dynamic shifts, a ray of celebration shonebrightly. ASO, in collaboration with IFSW
delegates, marked an early observance of
Global Social Workers Day on January 31,
2023, in Kabul.
• This commemorative event carriedprofound signi�icance, echoing the steadfast
dedication of Afghan social workers and theirinternational recognition.
• The celebration resonated as atestament to ASO's readiness to contributemeaningfully and compassionately to thecommunity, forti�ied by the robust support ofIFSW.
Shaping a Legacy of Impact:• This collaborative narrative weaves
a tapestry of possibilities, uniting theexpertise, vision, and dedication of ASO andIFSW, aligned with Afghanistan's resilient
pursuit of progress.
• Together, we embark on atransformative journey, crafting a legacy ofenduring impact and empowerment.

"Empowering Change: Collaborative
Initiatives in Afghanistan"
We are delighted to present asigni�icant update on recent developments in
Afghanistan, underscoring the pivotal role ofsocial work in the nation's socio-economic
fabric. Through a series of impactful
initiatives, the Afghanistan Social Workers
Organization (ASO) and the International
Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) haveembarked on a collaborative journey toward
meaningful change.
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"Upcoming Event: SDGs Forum& International Empowerment
Expo in Afghanistan"
The Afghanistan Social Workers
Professional Organization (ASO) and The
Afghanistan Women's Chamber of Commerceand Industries (AWCCI) are collaboratively
organizing a groundbreaking event, the "SDGs
Forum & International Empowerment Expo."
This innovative event is dedicated toempowering and uplifting women
entrepreneurs, showcasing their pioneering
ventures, and aligning them with the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). The comprehensive program
encompasses diverse activities such as the

SDGs Forum, Empowerment Expo,
workshops, panel discussions, pitch contests,
and cultural exhibitions. With a focus on
fostering regional cooperation, promoting
sustainability, empowering marginalized
women and children, and recognizing
outstanding contributions, the event aspires
to catalyze positive social transformation,
promote gender equality, and contribute to
Afghanistan's sustainable development
journey, all while highlighting thetransformative potential of entrepreneurship.

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