Call for Abstracts:

International Conference – Social Work in Action: Interdisciplinary and Global-Informed Strategies for Bridging and Advancing Sustainable Development in Central Asia
Dates: May 4-5, 2026 (Conference), May 6-7, 2026 (Field Visits) 

Central Asia stands at a pivotal juncture in its pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), facing complex and interwoven challenges. Social work plays a vital role in fostering inclusion and resilience, yet traditional models often fall short in addressing the region’s multifaceted realities. Strengthening social welfare systems requires building institutional capacity and equipping practitioners with interdisciplinary and culturally grounded skills. This international conference offers a platform for dialogue across social work, and multiple disciplines, aiming to catalyse collaborative strategies for sustainable development while aligning with global standards and professional frameworks.

The purpose of this conference is to establish an international platform for dialogue among academics, practitioners, and policymakers; analyse current challenges and opportunities for social work and social work education in advancing the SDGs in Central Asia; showcase innovative and technological models and interdisciplinary research at the intersection of social work, social work education and other fields; strengthen regional and international cooperation for joint projects and policy development; and generate actionable recommendations for inclusive and sustainable social work and social work education practices.

Key Interdisciplinary Theme:

The Organising Committee invites researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to submit original research, papers, and posters for panel sessions within the key interdisciplinary thematic tracks:

• Social Work for Sustainable and Inclusive Communities
• Global Standards and Social Work Education
• Health and Well-being
• Climate Change and Sustainable Environmental Development
• Strengthening NGOs and Social Service Providers: Legal, Regulatory, and International Standards Perspectives

Call for abstracts (300 – 500 words):

Submit your abstract here: https://forms.gle/hikLg1YtBJ4QLWCbA

Registration (Deadline: 31 March 2026):

We invite all participants to complete the registration process and submit the registration fee.

Link: https://polyu.hk/CftcO

Organisers:

• International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW)
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University – Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia
• China and Global Development Network, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

For enquiry, please contact:  

Dr Aruzhan Saimassayeva

Email: aruzhan.saimassayeva@kaznu.edu.kz | a.saimassayeva@gmail.com