On March 18, 2026, the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work hosted a networking event titled “Social Work as an Activity and Profession Filled with Humanism and Compassion,” dedicated to World Social Work Day for first-year students of Group 111, full‑time programme, specialty I10 Social Work and Counselling. Networking is an activity aimed at exchanging information among people united by shared professional or personal interests, usually in an informal setting.
Therefore, in an informal atmosphere, the guarantor of the educational programme “Social Work and Counselling,” PhD in Pedagogy, Associate Professor Tetiana Shvets, introduced first‑year students to the ways this day is celebrated globally.The Head of the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Social Work, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Serhii Kostiuchkov, addressed the students with greetings on the occasion. He emphasized that social workers are people who are not afraid to take responsibility, care for those in need, and bring hope to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
First‑year students learned that World Social Work Day is celebrated annually on the third Tuesday of March. The holiday was established in 1983 by the International Association of Schools of Social Work together with the International Federation of Social Workers.
The purpose of World Social Work Day is to draw the attention of authorities and society to issues of social vulnerability, to facilitate the exchange of experience among representatives of different countries, and to promote the development of the social sphere.
In 2026, World Social Work Day fell on March 17. The global theme chosen by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) is: “Co‑Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.” The key messages of this year’s theme include:
“Peace is not merely the absence of violence, but the active presence of justice, participation, and trust.”
“No individual or organization can address today’s challenges alone — only collective efforts can bring hope and harmony.”
“Guided by the values of dignity, justice, and inclusion, social workers have a unique opportunity to support collective efforts, especially in a world marked by conflict, inequality, displacement, and environmental crises.”
World Social Work Day is dedicated to discussing key directions for the development of professional practice and the challenges facing social work. Every year, on the third Tuesday of March, countries around the world honour professionals who support individuals, communities, and society as a whole, and raise awareness about the profession and the needs of those who require assistance.
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