The 2026 Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development, jointly convened by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), concluded successfully in Nairobi on 29 June 2026, bringing together social workers, educators, researchers, policymakers and development practitioners from across the world.
Hon. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, addresses delegates during her keynote, Choosing Justice: Collective Responsibility in a Divided World.
Held under the theme "Harambee for Sustainable Shared Futures," the conference reaffirmed the enduring value of international cooperation and collective action in addressing today's interconnected social, economic and environmental challenges. Participants emphasized that sustainable development can only be achieved through renewed solidarity, inclusive leadership and sustained investment in people, communities and resilient social systems. Genuine partnerships among governments, civil society, academia, international organizations and local communities were recognized as indispensable for building inclusive and sustainable societies.
The Nairobi Commitment
Through the Nairobi Commitment, the three organizations pledged to strengthen collaboration between social work, social work education and social development; promote participatory approaches that place communities at the centre of decision-making; support social workers in co-creating solutions with individuals, families and communities; advocate for universal social protection and greater investment in people; foster research and innovation; and advance human rights, social justice, peace and environmental sustainability through coordinated action at the local, national and global levels.
From left to right: Eva Ponce de Leon, IFSW President; Sergei Zelenev, ICSW President; Antoinette Lombard, IASSW President; Hon. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Kenya; David Androff, Chair of the SWSD Steering Committee; Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, Kenya; Joachim Mumba, outgoing IFSW President; and Charles Mbugua, Chair of the Local Organising Committee.
The conference concluded with a strong affirmation that the continued dialogue and collaboration among organizations representing social workers, social work educators and social development practitioners are essential for translating global policy commitments into meaningful action. By working together, the partnership aims to strengthen social inclusion, build resilient communities and contribute to a more just, equitable and sustainable future for all.
To read the full Nairobi 2026 Outcome Statement, click here
