January 13th, 2019
An Open Letter
fromthe Japanese Association for Social Work Education (JASWE) andthe Japanese Federation of Social Workers (JFSW)
tothe International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW),
the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) andthe International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)
onStrengthening Tripartite Partnership on Global, Regional and National Levels
The International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International
Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) and the International Federation of Social Workers(IFSW) have been hosting the Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education andSocial Development in collaboration since 2010. Unfortunately, regarding the conferencein 2020, IASSW and ICSW will jointly host a conference in Rimini (Italy), while IFSW
will host a separate conference in Calgary (Canada). Considering severe circumstances
surrounding social work and social welfare such as disparity, poverty, disasters, conflict,discrimination and environmental destruction, it is necessary more than ever that social
work and social welfare related organizations deepen mutual understanding andstrengthen partnership based on trust while they also respect each other’s uniqueness.
The joint world conference hosted in collaboration between the three organizations isa symbol of such partnership and an opportunity for mutual exchanges. Yet, it is most
regretful that the 2020 conference will be hosted separately at two distinct locations.
This fact poses considerable demerits in many different ways to the members of the threeorganizations.
The Japanese Association for Social Work Education (JASWE) and the JapaneseFederation of Social Workers (JFSW) express deep concern over this situation and hopethat social work and social welfare related international organizations will further
deepen mutual understanding and that social work and social welfare related global,regional and national initiatives will develop further. Hereby, we propose theimplementation of the following measures for improvement.
1. Explicit written agreement for strengthening tripartite partnershipIt is necessary that social work and social welfare related organizations on global,
regional and national levels deepen mutual understanding, build further relationships
based on trust and work in partnership while they also respect each other’s uniqueness.
However, there is a concern that misunderstandings and conflicts occur amidst suchfactors as differences in organizational structure and culture, lack of human resources
and miscommunications due to linguistic differences.
Taking into account this current situation, we propose the conclusion of a writtenagreement to strengthen partnership in the future based on the discussion of visions andstructures on global, regional and national levels. Such a written agreement should also
clarify about policies and procedures regarding the joint world conference and include
content on further tripartite partnership.
2. Strengthening tripartite partnership on regional and national levels
Considering that everyday social work and social welfare activities are carried out inlocal situations, it is necessary to actually advance partnership between organizations
also in local situations at regional and national levels. JASWE and JFSW have been
engaged in such collaboration regarding joint work in the Global Definition of the Social

Work Profession and the Japanese Amplification of the Global Definition of the Social
Work Profession. However, we propose to go beyond partnership or collaboration in such
temporary activities, so that we can confirm and strengthen further partner
relationships by setting up a joint platform including the Japanese ICSW counterpartorganization too. In addition, we expect active advancement of similarly strengthened
partner relationships in other regions and countries as well.
3. Partnership regarding the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development
The Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development (2012) set forth jointly byIASSW, ICSW and IFSW has been promoted in collaboration between the threeorganizations. Now, a new Agenda for 2020 - 2030 is being formed. Even though theconference in 2020 will be held in separate places, it is necessary that the threeorganizations continue in partnership and proceed collaboratively with setting andimplementing the themes for the next ten years. To achieve this, it is necessary toestablish mechanism for working in collaboration not only on global, but also on regionaland national levels.