On November 28, USSH, VNU-HCM hosted the international conference titled “Social Work - Development and Global Integration.” The conference served as an academic forum for discussing theoretical foundations on the field of social work in Vietnam within a global context.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Phan Thanh Định, Vice President of the University, emphasized the importance of social work as a profession. This conference provided a valuable opportunity for scholars and experts to share their latest research findings and analyses on various aspects of social work, all aimed at a common goal of empowering individuals and improving human well-being.
Dr. Phan Thanh Định highlights the significance of the conference in enhancing social work research capacity in a global context - Photo: NHẬT VY.
Following this, Dr. Lê Văn Công, Head of the Social Work Department, delivered the conference’s keynote report. He underscored the conference’s guiding role in addressing both theoretical and practical issues of social development, the role of social work in global development, the application of social work practice models, and responses to globalization. He expressed his hope that the conference would contribute to strengthening research capacity and professional development from the perspective of social work and social sciences.
Dr. Lê Văn Công presents an overview of the conference papers - Photo: NHẬT VY.
The conference attracted strong interest, receiving more than 70 papers from scholars and researchers across various disciplines. The plenary session featured four presentations addressing the need for innovation and global integration in social work to promote sustainable social development. The parallel sessions focused on two main themes: Sustainable Development of Social Work and Clinical Social Work.
At the plenary session, the paper titled “Beyond Ethical Frameworks: Aesthetic Competence and the Co-evolution of Humans and AI in Social Work Education” was presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanen Munkong from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi. The presentation argued that the education of social work should move beyond conventional ethical frameworks by fostering “aesthetic competence” to enable empathetic and meaningful interactions between humans and AI. This approach aims to design curricula that align with international standards while reflecting local values.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanen Munkong emphasizes the need for the education of social work to adapt to global standards - Photo: NGUYÊN HẠ.
Next, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kurniawan Saefullah from Universitas Padjadjaran presented “Contributions of Social Work to Global Social Development.” The paper asserted that equity can only happen when global ideals are integrated with local realities, rather than applying Western models unilaterally. Drawing on cases from Indonesia and Vietnam, the speaker highlighted the importance of decolonizing knowledge, respecting indigenous values, and building transnational solidarity based on mutual respect.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kurniawan Saefullah shares insights on decolonizing knowledge in global social work - Photo: NGUYÊN HẠ.
With the presentation “Perspectives on European Social Welfare: A Comparative Analysis,” Prof. Dr. Algis Krupavicius from Mykolas Romeris University analyzed four European welfare models, demonstrating institutional diversity alongside a gradual convergence toward social investment and labor market activation. From the outcomes of the Nordic model to the challenges facing Southern and Eastern Europe, the study emphasized that historical contexts, policy design, and public attitudes shape social cohesion, while underscoring the need for reform to ensure sustainable welfare amid aging populations, migration, and economic uncertainty.
Prof. Dr. Algis Krupavicius analyzes four European welfare models - Photo: NHẬT VY.
The presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Thị Kiên from the University of Economics HCMC, titled “Developing Social Work in the Context of International Integration,” highlighted the essential role of social work in promoting social justice, human dignity, and sustainable development. The paper emphasized the importance of integrating Vietnam’s traditional values with international standards and proposed solutions such as strengthening international cooperation, developing digital social work networks, and enhancing policy support.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Thị Kiên presents on the role of social work in advancing sustainable development - Photo: NHẬT VY.
Within the conference, 17 papers were presented across specialized fields. In the parallel sessions, research reports reflected diverse approaches and topics, including applying support models for children with learning difficulties; improving workforce training quality; ensuring employment and training equity in the digital era; and developing school social work models. These studies proposed multi-tiered interventions and context-appropriate support measures, with many combining theory and practice through local case studies.
Scholars engage in discussion and raise questions during the conference sessions - Photo: NHẬT VY, NGUYÊN HẠ.
The international conference “Social Work - Development and Global Integration” garnered significant attention from the academic community in exploring the role, development, and future orientation of this profession in a globalized context. Beyond serving as a platform for global academic exchange, the conference also addressed complex mental health issues through specialized intervention models, contributing to the further development of social work amid current global challenges.
Source: NHẬT VY - NGUYÊN HẠ - NHƯ Ý
Translated by: Như Quỳnh Lý
