The International Federation of Social Workers, IFSW, has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion and responsiveness after a Europe-led symposium focused on strengthening participation across its 50 member countries.
Held under the theme _“Strengthening Social Work and IFSW through Greater Inclusion and Responsiveness at Regional Levels,”_ the symposium was coordinated by IFSW Europe President Dr. Ruth Allen and facilitated by Vice President Andreas Kikvik. Regional presidents shared strategies for equitable participation and mutual support.
IFSW Africa President Oluwatoni Adeleke highlighted key progress on the continent. She reported that Gambia, Botswana and Senegal are at different stages of legislating the social work profession, while Nigeria, Zambia and Sierra Leone are actively working to establish Social Work Councils.
A major milestone for Africa, she noted, was increased engagement with francophone countries, including hosting Africa’s first-ever IFSW conference in a francophone country last year. She also pointed to stronger member connection through social media platforms for daily interaction and periodic leader meetings to share experiences.
Voices from IFSW Asia-Pacific Vice President Teoh Ai Hua, North America President Barb Whitenect, and the New Social Workers group reinforced the central message: stronger regional collaboration directly strengthens the global federation and the profession.
At the close of the meeting, all regions agreed to increase cross-regional collaboration going forward, signaling a unified push toward a more inclusive and responsive IFSW.
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