The joint SWSD2024 Panama conference: Respecting diversity through joint social action.
The Social Work & Social Development (SWSD) 2024 conference commenced on 4th April 2024 in Panama City with a vibrant opening ceremony reflecting the city’s rich culture. The global social work community, united under the theme “Respecting Diversity Through Joint Social Action,” buzzes with energy as attendees explore collaborative solutions to complex social issues.
The ceremony, featuring traditional music and dance, warmly welcomed participants and underscored Panama’s commitment to fostering collaboration.
Kenia Batista, President of the Panama Association of Social Workers, delivered a heartfelt welcome, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration. She emphasized the conference’s significance as a platform for social workers and social development professionals to share experiences, learn from each other, and develop innovative solutions that respect the inherent diversity within communities.
Echoing this sentiment, IFSW President Joachim Mumba emphasized the conference’s crucial role in promoting social transformation through genuine respect for diversity. He highlighted that this goes beyond tolerance, requiring active inclusion of all backgrounds in social work efforts. Mumba acknowledged the power of local communities, stating, “Social workers, across diverse practice settings, play a vital role in individual and community-level interventions. This theme recognizes the potential of local communities to create positive change.”
Read the opening remarks of Joachim Mumba during the SWSD 2024 Global Conference.
The SWSD 2024 conference serves as a springboard for future collaboration, with Nairobi, Kenya, proudly hosting the next gathering in 2026. Karibu Kenya (Welcome, Kenya)!