Thailand will host “World Social Work Day 2023” later this month to celebrate the invaluable contribution of the world’s social workers as countries around the globe emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wanna Suksriboonamphai, Executive Director at the ASEAN Training Centre for Social Work and Social Welfare (ATCSW), said that the purpose of this gathering is to honour the “compelling contribution” of Thai social workers and other stakeholders over the past years. Experts and speakers from ASEAN and Thailand will take part in the event, which will be held on March 24^th at a five-star hotel in downtown Bangkok.

ASEAN members established ATCSW in 2019 to provide training courses, develop curricula and promote collaboration among member states. The centre’s missions are to develop social workers, to provide them with knowledge, experience and a comprehensive curriculum, as well as supporting cooperation which will provide a better and sustainable standard of social work services in the region.

Over the past three years, social workers within ASEAN have been the most important force in helping the communities to overcome the negative impacts of the pandemic. Their social networks help disadvantaged communities and those who live in remote areas to receive timely and valuable assistance and advice. For instance, social workers from ASEAN member countries worked together to exchange information about the spread of COVID-19 and share best practices with all relevant networks.

At the gathering to discuss “Respecting Diversity through Joining Social Action”, professionals in the field of social work, including social workers, practitioners, social work educators and other pertinent stakeholders, will be able exchange their experiences and insights in their lines of work.

In addition, the symposium will touch on issues related to human security, including child care, health, the environment and a stable economy.

Prominent speakers who have confirmed their attendance include Suriyan Vichitlekarn, ASEAN Prize Award Winner, and Kasit Piromya, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the ASEAN Social Work consortium (ASWC) and the Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD).