Abstract
As we begin 2021, the aftermath from 2020 will not be behind us. The pandemic is still very much present, and global disquiet and challenges are as stark as ever. With a new year, there can be a new beginning and hope. This requires an awakening to reshape the relations and compassion of our global village. Every morning, when we wake up and watch the TV or social media, there is always bad news about the COVID-19 pandemic or the socio-political conflicts arising from the dividedness between different ideologies, religions, nations, races, classes, genders and other kinds of identities or affiliations. We are living in a world with tension but lack of trust, with words of condemnation but not care and concern. When many of us are wearing masks and limiting our own social and economic activities during the ‘lockdown’ and ‘social distancing’, the debates and disputes further make us desperate and depressed.
No matter where you are or how you live, we cannot avoid the drastic challenges and rapid changes from global warming arising from globalization and de-globalization. What we can do and should do is revisit and reflect over our own values and practice. We may not travel around the world as there will be troubles, but at least we can think about the people of the world and work with our clients in the localities. As an international profession with humanistic values and local practice in different contexts and cultures, we social workers have no choice; we need to wake up, stand up and never give up. Let us face the changes with our clients and communities.
In fact, the international social work organizations, including the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), have taken the leadership in this reflection. As a product of the collective effort, a new version of the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development has been published and is now free for download.
The global review can be summarized in the following seven points:
The failure to address worsening inequality is increasing instability and undermining social relationships.
Planning for sustainability and well-being for all in healthy environments benefits individuals and humanity.
Valuing and involving people in decision making, respecting local knowledge and including indigenous knowledge produce better and more sustainable outcomes.
Demonstrating support for respectful relationships and building on people’s strengths create the best outcomes.
Respecting the practice experience of practitioners in social work and development strengthens the effectiveness of policy.
Ensuring a positive working environment with relationship-based management draws out the best in practice.
Resourcing education and training, and including continuing personal development and research, are crucial both for organizational effectiveness and for professional practice (Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development: Fourth Report, 2020, p. VIII).
As the world is still in the pandemic, we are glad to know that international social work organizations will continue the consultation with stakeholders in 2021, and the proposed theme for 2020–2022 will focus on solidarity. It is a calling for social workers. Let us wake up and get prepared with value commitment, knowledge and skills. Whenever there is suffering, there are social workers. Whenever there are inequalities and injustice, there are social workers. Although we may not be able to solve the problems in our societies, at least we can use our heart, head and hands to give our clients and the informal caregivers dignity and hope. We wish everyone a 2021 that harnesses our humanity and meaningfully delivers an authentic sense of hope and unity.