Social Work Day at the United Nations 2025

On April 4th, 2025, social work students, faculty, and practitioners from the metropolitan region, around the United States, and from various countries around the world will convene at the United Nations to celebrate social work's role at the UN and learn more about ways that social workers can advocate at the UN. The event is being sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Morocco, DESA and the IMO. Social work has long been a partner and advisor to the UN.

For over 40 years, 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 hosted Social Work Day, attracting over 500 passionate attendees each year. Social Work Day is a celebration of the essential bond between the social work profession and the mission of the UN. It recognizes the significant contributions that social work makes to sustainable development and the promotion of human rights across member states.

Social work has been at the forefront of ushering global advancements, championing human rights, tackling contagious diseases, expanding access to vital education and healthcare, advocating for transparency, and promoting environmental sustainability. In today's world, where we face pressing challenges like climate change, global poverty, forced migration, the erosion of democratic values, and the rise of populism, the voices of social workers are more crucial than ever.

As we look ahead to the Second World Social Summit in November 2025 in Doha, Qatar, this 2025 Social Work Day will provide a unique opportunity to spark dialogues about social work's global impact on social justice. Join us in raising awareness of critical social challenges and highlighting the role of social work in advancing the United Nations' agenda.