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IASSW UN Representation

The International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) is a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 1947. IASSW is particularly having a team at New York and Geneva and in process of representations at Bangkok, Nairobi, and Vienna.

The IASSW representatives at United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York are active in NGO committees and participate in UN meetings. As permitted through our consultative status with ECOSOC, representatives attend UN meetings of interest to IASSW, organize side events at UN Commissions, including the Commission on Social Development, the Commission on the Status of Women, and the High Level Political Forum, submit policy statements for the Association, and advocate for social work values and priorities. Members participate actively in NGO Committees including the Committees on Migration, Women, Social Development, Mental Health, Aging, the Family, and Children. These memberships provide additional opportunities for co-sponsorship of side events and involvement in advocacy with member states on global policy issues. In our work, the team often collaborates with the International Council on Social Welfare and the International Federation of Social Workers. We are guided by the mission and policy statements of the IASSW, especially the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development and the Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles (IASSW), and report regularly to the Board of Directors.

 

The appointed representatives are social work educators who serve in this role as volunteers with the IASSW. Current representatives are from Case Western University (Sharon Milligan), Fordham University (Shirley Gatenio-Gabel), Hunter College (Martha Bragin), Rutgers University (Rebecca Davis), and the University of Connecticut (Rebecca Thomas and Lynne Healy, Main Representative). (Shown in the photo along with long-time representative M.C. “Terry” Hokenstad, who retired from the post in 2018).

Statement at the Hearing Session on the Second World Social Summit

April 22, 2025, UN Headquarters

My name is Lynne Healy and I am the main representative to the UN for the International Association of Schools of Social Work. Our organization has been accredited by ECOSOC since 1947 and is active across a number of areas at the UN, including Migration, Status of Women, Working Group on Girls, Ageing, Mental Health, and Social Development. I am an active member of the NGO Committee for Social Development. Social work is a broad profession with expertise and involvements in many areas related to the Copenhagen pillars and commitments. Today, I want to focus on the third, and sometimes neglected, pillar of social integration. I commend the inclusion of social integration in the Food for Thought paper. In the current climate, an emphasis on social integration is crucial. Among the relevant and important statements that need to be retained and enhanced in the zero draft are:

  • The need to reduce inequalities within and between countries. In spite of the commitments made in SDGs 5 and 10, inequality has worsened. This includes a worsening of gender inequality and the need to strengthen efforts to achieve gender equality in all areas.
  • Advancing measures to eliminate racism and discrimination. Hand in hand with this is the promise to address hate speech and disinformation. The growth in disinformation is hampering meaningful discussions and joint work to address pressing social problems. Hate speech and disinformation further strain social cohesion.

I applaud the emphasis on human rights in the document. The SDGs have been criticized for muting the importance of human rights. It is essential to center a human rights approach to development and to mine the valuable data on progress and shortcomings available through treaty body reviews.

The success of the Second World Social Summit as an event and perhaps even more so in implementation depends on meaningful involvement of NGOS and the wider civil society. The 1995 Copenhagen summit was a highly inclusive and participatory event. The international social work organizations played significant roles in this event. The IASSW encourages the co-facilitators to ensure avenues for meaningful NGO engagement in the remaining months leading up to the Summit, in the Summit itself, and in follow-up activities.

Finally, I support the call for strengthening the Commission for Social Development as the primary body for follow up on the Summit and more broadly on the social development agenda of the United Nations.

Thank you for this opportunity and know that we are anxious to hear soon from the co-facilitators on the meansn of engagements.

https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1l/k1lvx0bijs

Lynne M. Healy, Ph.D.
Main Representative to the UN, International Association of Schools of Social Work
Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Emerita
University of Connecticut School of Social Work
Hartford, CT

WSWD 2025 Celebration at the United Nations, New York

Social Work Day at the UN

On April 4, 2025, the United Nations Headquarters in New York City buzzed with energy as over 500 passionate individuals gathered for the highly anticipated Social Work Day at the UN This year’s event reflected on the rich history of social work within the UN and was a visionary look at its evolving role in today’s world. The day kicked off with warm and inspiring welcoming remarks from Dr. Shirley Gatenio Gabel, Co-Chair of the Planning Committee from IASSW, and Dr. Sergei Zelenev from ICSW. Their enthusiasm set the tone for an event filled with meaningful dialogue and purpose. Rebecca Thomas from IASSW-UConn, also part of the Planning Committee, contributed to the collaborative spirit of the event.

High-level UN representatives offered insights and reflections including Ambassador Omar Hilale of Morocco, Charles Katoanga from UN DESA, and Pär Liljert from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Each speaker underscored the critical role of social work in advancing global well-being.

The highlight of the day was the keynote address delivered by the remarkable Dr. Lynne Healy, who captivated attendees with her talk titled “Social Work at the United Nations: Looking Back to Go Forward.” She eloquently reminded us that the founders of the UN turned to social workers as essential peacebuilders during the aftermath of World War II, emphasizing the profound impact our profession has had on shaping a better world.

Following this inspiring keynote, a dynamic panel discussion brought together thought leaders including Martha Bragin from IASSW & Hunter College, Stephanie Asare from IFSW & World Bank/NASW, and Gloria Kirwan from ICSW – Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. They shared their incredible journeys and provided invaluable insights on diving into global projects with organizations like the World Bank, USAID, and UNICEF, inspiring attendees to envision their own paths in international social work.

The day concluded with an uplifting summary from Megan Fujita of CSWE, who encouraged everyone to hold onto hope for the future and to spread that hope to the communities they serve. This year’s theme beautifully intertwined historical reflection with forward-thinking strategies, inspiring us all to engage more deeply in global social work and advocacy within international policy. Social Work Day 2025 was not just an event; it was a celebration of resilience, community, and the promise of a better tomorrow through the power of social work!

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