2010 Joint World Conference on Social Work and Social Development The Agenda

Discussions on Practice, Policy and Education cut across the following 3 themes and 25 sub-themes in formulating “The Agenda”. The emphasis is on the systematic application and generation of knowledge and intervention to result in evidence-based outcome in social work and social development.

I. Life Course Challenges & Actualization?

Social Work is becoming more complex and varied in different cultures. We see the impact of the macro environment and new technology, which may be disenabling and disempowering to our client groups that range from the child to youth, to adulthood and then old age. Meanwhile, gender issue, the challenges to the marriage and family system as well as the threats to physical, psychologically and social well-being of the individual at different life stages are highly topical issues that need to be addressed at the policy, practice and education parameters. There are micro and macro evidence-based interventions that practitioners and advocates have developed and can be shared, with the aim of promoting the actualization of the individuals’ potentials as well as impacting on overall social development.

Sub-themes:

	Child Welfare?
	Adolescence & Youth Development?
	Family & Marriage?
	Women & Gender Issues?
	Active Aging & Long Term Care?
	Mental Health Issues

II. Equity & Social Inclusion

There is a general awareness of the challenges that we have to cope in a world with diversity. In order to cope with poverty, unemployment and discrimination, equity and social inclusion principles have been adopted in policy making mechanisms. But how effective are these initiatives? How we eradicate poverty, deprivations and vulnerability; and enhance social development? Have we eliminated discrimination on the ground of disability, gender, race, religion by means of anti-oppressive practices? Have we improved the quality of life of those who are labeled as deviant, vulnerable or at risk? Are we advocates or just managers? Could we really balance economic with social development in the long term and for whom we should fight?

Sub-themes :

	Education & Life-long Learning, Asset-Building & Social Mobility
	Employment, Migrant Worker & Decent Work
	Poverty Eradication & Social Security
	Embracing Diversity & Inclusion
	Deviance & Addiction
	Violence, Crime & Human Trafficking

III. Sustainable Environment

Creating a sustainable environment has become one of the major challenges for researchers, scholars and practitioners across many disciplines. This theme explores the interplay of multiple, complex forces that bring rapid transformation in and far-reaching impacts on our natural, social and economic environment. As well, it discusses locally and globally integrated policy solutions and current innovative professional practices in environments, health, population movements, disaster management, housing, rural-urban resettlement, community development and preservation, corporate social responsibility, civil society, self-help movements, and planning of welfare. The discussion would contribute to the creation, accountability, resourcing management, protection, restoration, enhancement and conservation of a sustainable environment to uphold social justice, harmony and well being.

Sub-themes:

	Globalization, Population Movement & Economic Instability
	Sustained Health, Tackling Social Determinants & Inequalities
	Disasters Management & Environmental Change
	Shelter, Housing & Urban/ Rural Population Resettlement
	Community Development, Conservation & Preservation (Physical, Social, Cultural)
	Philanthropy, Corporate Social Responsibility, Partnership, Social Capital & Civil Society
	Users Participation & Self-help Movement
	Financing & Planning of Welfare
	Integrating Teaching, Learning & Practice in Social Work Education
	Indigenous & Cultural Sensitive Practice
	Influence & Advocacy, Professional Commitment & Values
	Knowledge Management, Model Building & Evidence-based Research
	Innovation/Technology/HUSITA (This stream is equivalent to HUSITA9@2010 Joint World Conference) (English only)

Any topics outside of the above mentioned sub-themes may also be submitted for consideration.