JICA-ATCSW Project Showcases ASEAN's Approach to Social Service Workforce Development at SWSD2026 in Nairobi, Kenya

The Project for Human Resource Development on Social Work in ASEAN Region was launched in August 2025. This technical cooperation project is jointly implemented by the ASEAN Training Centre for Social Work and Social Welfare (ATCSW), the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand (MSDHS), and JICA. Through strengthening ATCSW’s capacity as a hub for human resource development on Social Work, the project aims to expand access to high-quality training and learning opportunities across the ASEAN region.

From 26 to 29 June 2026, the Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development 2026 (SWSD2026) was held in Nairobi, Kenya. More than 1,000 social work practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and representatives of international organizations from approximately 30 countries gathered to discuss global social challenges and the future of social work.
Representing the ASEAN Training Centre for Social Work and Social Welfare (ATCSW), Mr. Chinchai Cheecharoen, Executive Director of ATCSW, and Dr. Akiko Yokoyama, JICA Expert, participated in the conference. They presented the JICA-ATCSW Project's initiatives to strengthen the social service workforce in ASEAN while expanding international networks and gathering knowledge on emerging global trends.

During the conference, Mr. Cheecharoen and Dr. Yokoyama delivered an oral presentation entitled "Strengthening the Social Service Workforce in ASEAN: Capacity Development through International Technical Cooperation." The presentation introduced the JICA-ATCSW Project's efforts to strengthen the social service workforce across ASEAN through regional cooperation and capacity development.
The presentation generated considerable interest from participants, who raised questions about ASEAN's regional collaboration mechanisms and online training programs. The presenters introduced the role of the ASEAN Social Work Consortium (ASWC) and highlighted their online initiatives, including the World Social Work Day Webinar, which is open to participants from both within and outside the ASEAN region. Through discussions with international participants, ATCSW was recognized as an innovative regional institution for advancing the development of the social service workforce.

At the workshop on rethinking international social work, participants discussed the idea that international social work should not be understood through a single universal model, but rather be shaped by diverse regional, cultural, and social contexts.
Building on this discussion, Dr. Yokoyama introduced ATCSW's initiatives to promote regional cooperation within ASEAN. She highlighted that ASEAN's experience, grounded in a regional perspective, offers a valuable contribution to the evolving concept of international social work and attracted considerable interest from participants.

Throughout the conference, participants shared knowledge and exchanged views on a broad range of topics related to social work practice, education, and research, including digital technology, climate change, decolonization, and trauma-informed care.
Particular attention was given to the use of artificial intelligence in social work education, digital platforms for child welfare services, ethical and confidentiality considerations, and community-led approaches to social work practice. These discussions provided valuable insights that will contribute to the future planning and implementation of ATCSW's training programs.

The conference also provided valuable opportunities to strengthen partnerships with international organizations and academic institutions. Meetings were held with representatives from the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), UNICEF, the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance (GSSAW), universities, and professional associations from around the world. Discussions also explored future collaboration through ATCSW webinars and international conferences, creating new opportunities for global partnerships.
In addition, a French foundation providing social work education interviewed the JICA-ATCSW Project regarding its regional initiatives, reflecting growing international interest in ASEAN's approach to social service workforce development.

Participation in SWSD2026 provided an important opportunity to share the achievements of the JICA-ATCSW Project with the international community while learning from innovative practices and emerging trends in social work worldwide.
Moving forward, the JICA-ATCSW Project will continue to strengthen regional cooperation across ASEAN, enhancing human resource development in social work and social welfare, and share ASEAN's experiences with the global community. Through these efforts, the Project aims to contribute to the development of more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies.

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