BU School of Social Work Co-Hosts International Conference
What is Social Work’s Role in Advancing Sustainable Development—Now and Beyond 2030?
Join us as an international community of social workers, scholars, and change-makers gather in Lusaka, Zambia, for an international conference centered on that urgent question.
As the global community approaches the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the role of social work in bridging local realities with global frameworks has become increasingly urgent. Social workers are uniquely positioned to advance sustainable development by promoting justice, equity, and dignity across diverse contexts.
We invite practitioners, researchers, policymakers, educators, and students from across the world to explore how social work can both celebrate successes and confront challenges in advancing the SDGs, while also considering what lies ahead after 2030.
Conference Themes/Subthemes
We invite proposals that engage with the conference theme from local, regional, or global perspectives. Suggested subthemes include, but are not limited to:
-
Climate Justice and Environmental Sustainability: The role of social work in climate adaptation, disaster response, and ecological justice.
-
Migration, Displacement, and Human Rights: Protecting and empowering refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people.
-
Health and Well-being Across the Lifespan: Advancing mental health, physical health, and community well-being through the SDGs.
-
Protection and Inclusive Societies: Addressing gender equity, gender-based violence, child protection, and equity across social institutions with attention to the inclusion of all marginalized identities.
-
Human Security: Tackling various forms of insecurity and building community resilience through social work practice and policy.
-
Digital Transformation and Innovation for Social Change: Leveraging technology and generative artificial intelligence in ethical and inclusive ways to support social work and sustainable development.
We particularly welcome proposals that reflect on:
- What success in achieving the SDGs looks like for social work.
- How social workers have navigated barriers, structural challenges, and competing priorities.
- What comes after 2030, when the SDGs expire, and how social work can influence future global development frameworks.
Proposal Formats
Submissions are welcome in the following formats:
- Individual papers/presentations – 15–20 minutes each
- Panel discussions – 3–4 speakers with a unifying theme
- Workshops/skills sessions – 60–90 minutes, interactive format
- Poster presentations – research findings, case studies, or practice models
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract Length: 250–300 words
- Include: title, format, subtheme(s), and names/affiliations of all presenters
- Deadline for submission: Coming soon
- Notification of acceptance: Coming soon
- Submission portal: Coming soon
Who Should Apply
This call is open to social workers, academics, practitioners, community leaders, policymakers, students, and interdisciplinary partners engaged with sustainable development and social justice.
Contact
For inquiries, please contact: swwb2027@bu.edu
Conference Co-Hosts
Professor Margaret Lombe and Assistant Dean of Teaching and Innovation, Lyndsey McMahan, from Boston University School of Social Work, in partnership with The Catholic University of East Africa and The Zambia Catholic University.