Summit Convenes Transdisciplinary Global Community With Focus on Co-Building an Eco-Social World

By Paul R. Pace

The world needs new policies, social contracts and practices that foster relationships and partnerships that build security and confidence for all people and promote the sustainability of the planet, say world social work leaders. The social work profession is an important stakeholder and partner for global action to further this commitment.

To help set these goals in motion, a people’s summit was held summer 2022 with the theme “Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind.” The United Nations Research Institute for Social Development and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) organized the summit.

NASW is a member of IFSW, and NASW President Mildred Joyner serves as vice president of the IFSW North America Region. The NASW Foundation helps administer NASW’s international social work efforts by serving on the international committee, spearheading IFSW reporting requirements, and assisting with international conferences for the North America Region.

The people’s summit brought together social workers, community representatives, politicians, unions, civil rights leaders, and climate justice leaders to create opportunities for all people to contribute to changing world values. The virtual event took place before the United Nations (U.N.) High Level Political Forum in July and aimed to deliver messages to the U.N. and all world leaders on the future values that need to underpin relationships within nations. IFSW President Silvana Martinez noted the summit was “a once in a generation opportunity for us all to act together and make the difference we all seek.”

Read the full story at the NASW Social Work Advocates magazine here.