Akudo Amadiegwu discusses the importance of social work and how we should continue to infuse international social work in the curriculum.

It was World Social Work Day at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, on April 4 2025. This event, attended by social workers, academics, students and diplomats from around the world has been celebrated at the UN for over 40 years, underscoring the close relationship between social work and the UN.

Social workers have been involved with the UN since its inception after World War II, as they were considered vital in the reconstitution of the new world. Social workers are one of the few invited partners at the UN, essential in shaping the UN. In 1947, the UN Social Commission encouraged the development of Social Work globally and in 1950, the recognition of social work as a profession that requires specialised training. We have continuously served as advocates for social justice and human rights internationally. As Ambassador Halile of Morocco acknowledged, social workers are architects of change, agents of progress, and advocates for breaking down barriers. Social workers are global citizens. As Kendall noted, the interdependence of nations transcends academic discourse and affects the everyday person. Health and economic problems affect both first and third-world countries.

We are witnesses to how a ‘certain unknown respiratory disease’ in China has had a profound impact in the way we live our everyday lives. With the march of civilization being migratory, people move from place to place and poverty, crime and societal ills transcend national borders and permeate the fabric of different societies. International social work is not just beyond the borders of the UK but we live in an increasingly diverse world in our local communities. Social workers, therefore serve as catalysts for social transformation, not just nationally but internationally. It is therefore imperative that our students have a keen understanding of the international role of social work.

This was the focus of the Faculty Only Roundtable at Fordham University, New York as part of the World Social Work Day event at the UN where I joined colleagues from around the world. We shared how International Social Work is incorporated in different universities, including partnering with other universities with joint classes and lectures and even having ‘penpals’ as part of developing networks.

I shared how we at CCCU are intentional about infusing international perspectives in our curriculum, including in our case studies and exam questions. It will be a missed opportunity if we just focus on preparing our students to meet the needs of the local community without having a broader international overview.  We are Canterbury, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a tourist attraction and Canterbury Welcomes Refugees, not just as the name of a charity but residents have been known to welcome refugees.

Our students in practice and placements work with people from different nationalities, our degree provides the qualification to work not just in the UK but internationally. It is therefore important that students gain a global perspective whilst studying, to prepare them for practice locally and internationally.

Akudo Amadiegwu is Lecturer in Social Work in the School of Allied and Public Health Professions.

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