Co-Building Hope and Harmony

This event invites social work students and new social workers to explore climate change not only as an environmental crisis, but a social justice issue affecting marginalized communitiesworldwide. Grounded in the social work values of human rights, solidarity and collective responsibility, we examine how co-building spaces of hope and harmony across borders, sectors and communities can restore trust and rebuild bonds of belonging and guide integrated responses across social, environmental, and policy systems.

Drawing inspiration from global social work frameworks such as the The People’s Charter for an Eco-social World and in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we center our discussion on the interconnectedness of people, planet, and policy. Through an eco-social framework, students will engage in dialogue about how environmental systems, community resilience, and institutional advocacy intersect within social work practice.

To address the theme of Harambee, a collective call for unity, mutual support, and shared responsibility in a divided world, participants will have the opportunity to join focused breakout groups. Session themes will include navigating climate change denial and how deep listening and finding shared values can help build local resilience, how LGBTQ+ and disability communities are left behind in disaster planning and how inclusive policies and plans can ensure no one is left behind in climate adaptation. Students will be invited to discuss how social workers can build harmony between government and communities, and how the World Social Work Day mission has been reflected in their practicum and work.

This event will emphasize the role of emerging social workers as ecosystem builders and leaders who bridge micro, mezzo, and macro practices to advance climate justice. To ensure conversation is grounded in lived experience and fresh academic insight, we are actively seeking students and recent graduates as guest speakers. By cultivating shared vision and actionable strategies, this event aims to strengthen global student collaboration and inspire innovative approaches that promote environmental sustainability, equity, and long-term harmony.

If you wish to speak at this event, please reach out to Madison Chalmers (s1067203@monmouth.edu) or Maria Talloni-Perlett(mtt2@fordham.edu), student representatives to the United Nations for the International Federation of Social Workers.