On Friday, April 4, 2025, social workers, students, educators, and international delegates gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York City to celebrate the Annual Social Work Day at the UN. Under the theme “Looking Back to Move Forward,” this year’s program reflected on the profession’s global legacy while exploring pathways to a just and sustainable future.
Co-hosting with the Graduate School of Social Service were the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), and International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW. The event brought together thought leaders and advocates from across the world for a dynamic morning of reflection, dialogue, and inspiration.
A Morning of Policy and Passion
Guests were welcomed in Conference Room 4 of the UN’s New York City Headquarters by Fordham GSS Professor and Mary Ann Quaranta Endowed Chair Shirley Gatenio Gabel, Ph.D., and ICSW President Sergei Zelenev, followed by opening remarks from international dignitaries including:
- Ambassador Omar Hilale, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN
- Charles Katoanga, Director of the UN DESA Division for Inclusive Social Development
- Pär Liljert, Director of the IOM Office to the UN
Each speaker emphasized the vital role social workers play in advancing the UN’s goals, from human rights and social protection to peacebuilding and global development.
Lynne Healy, Ph.D., Main Representative to the UN for IASSW and Professor Emerita at the University of Connecticut, delivered a powerful keynote tracing the evolving presence of social work at the United Nations. Her remarks laid the groundwork for a panel discussion featuring:
- Martha Bragin, Ph.D. (Professor at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College)
- Stephanie Asare (World Bank and Chair of NASW’s International Committee)
- Dr. Gloria Kirwan (Senior Lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and ICSW UN Geneva Representative)
The panel explored the intersection of social work and international diplomacy, highlighting both past contributions and emerging opportunities for social workers on the global stage.
The Students’ Time to Shine
In the afternoon, the energy shifted across town to Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus, where students gathered for the Global Social Work Student Conference at Fordham’s School of Law. Students heard from panels on topics such as artificial intelligence, climate justice, and student advocacy. Students then participated in breakout sessions to further discuss the profession’s future at these important intersections.
Fordham Master of Social Work students specifically collaborated with MSW students from schools across the country to organize and execute the event. Fordham students who helped organize the event included Jake Schefer and Katie Schendel.
Furthermore, Fordham GSS Associate Professor Elizabeth Matthews, Ph.D., moderated the “AI and Digital Innovation” panel, which also featured Fordham MSW student Andreina Zuluaga.
Faculty Gather at Global Roundtable Discussion
Simultaneously, faculty from participating universities convened at Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service for a Roundtable on Teaching International Social Work. The session focused on incorporating the UN into curriculum, the significance of the upcoming Second World Social Summit, and the role of the CSWE’s Katherine A. Kendall Institute.
From there, educators shared ideas and aspirations for preparing the next generation of globally minded social workers.
We were lucky enough to attend the event, and captured some photos of the day:
