10 November 2025, Global News Item
The solution session on the topic, “Universal Social Protection as a Pillar of Just Society: Why it Matters and What Can be Done”, ledby the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and co-organised with the International Federation for Social Workers (IFSW), the International Council for Social Welfare (ICSW), and the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD), marked a milestone partnership event at the Second World Summit for Social Development from 4-6 November in Doha, Qatar.
The panel affirmed that social justice and human development lie at the heart of social protection. Universal social protection is not a luxury but a necessity for guaranteeing dignity and security for all people. It serves as a foundational pillar for human development, economic resilience, and social cohesion—contributing directly to the realisation of social justice. To achieve genuine social inclusion, social care and support must be fully integrated with social protection systems.
Moderated by, Antoinette Lombard, President of IASSW, the session demonstrated how the collective strengths of the partnership organisations can turn the vision of universal social protection into action—establishing it as a cornerstone of just and inclusive societies that foster sustainable development.
Antoinette Lombard (IASSW, Moderator), Gloria Kirwan (IASSW), Kristina Brown (ICSW) Priska Fleischlin (IFSW), Shirley Gatenio Gabel (IASSW), Mahesh Chougule (ICSD), and Janestic Twikirize (IASSW)
The IASSW delegation also contributed to a panel hosted by IFSW, further strengthening the collective voice of the global social work movement throughout the Summit. The panel on the topic, “Strengthening social integration through intergenerational solidarity”, featured Antoinette Lombard representing IASSW. She highlighted how intergenerational solidarity and the social reintegration of older persons can bridge generations and restore dignity, purpose, and connection, through shared learning and co-creation between young and old.
Anchored in shared partnership, IASSW, IFSW, ICSW, and ICSD reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing transformational social development.
IASSW delegates at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar:
Antoinette Lombard (President), Janestic Twikirize (Secretary), Shirley Gatenio Gabel (IASSW UN representative).
We recognise Lynne Healy, Main UN Representative of IASSW, who could not join the delegation in Doha but has been working for several months with the leadership of IASSW, IFSW, ICSW and ICSD in preparing the solution proposals and side events.
Lynne Healy, Main UN Representative of IASSW
