World Social Work Day, on Tuesday, 15 March 2022, social workers will celebrate and discuss the theme Co-Building the New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind.

AASW CEO Cindy Smith said, “Co-building the Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind shines a light on inequity and this is particularly true in a changing climate where natural disasters have catastrophic, life-altering consequences for the most disadvantaged in our global communities

“Social workers have stood shoulder-to-shoulder and worked with people during the pandemic, the climate emergency which has caused flooding in Queensland and New South Wales and fires that destroyed swathes of Australia two years ago. Or colleagues everywhere assist those in need globally through all variety of climate disasters.

This year’s World Social Work Day has come at a time when more than ever, governments, global and local companies, NGOs, communities and individuals everywhere need to work together to address these issues.

Ms Smith said, “The responsibility for addressing the climate emergency and leaving no one behind lies with us all. And now is the time to affirm the profession of social work because we need to celebrate our resilience as social workers. We have worked tirelessly around the country, and indeed around the world, to support, comfort and guide people through these challenging and emotional times.

“On World Social Work Day, I urge everyone to celebrate social workers and their vital work. We are a proudly diverse profession, working in areas such as mental health, health care settings, schools, community settings, universities, government, private practice and much more.”

This year, the AASW is celebrating World Social Work Day with 15 events around the country and online. It promises to be a day of celebration and affirmation for social workers and the incredible work they do.