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International Conference on “Social Work Innovation: Theory and Practice in the New Development Stage”

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Dear fellow scholars and practitioners in the field of social work,

We cordially invite you to the "Social Work Innovation: Theory and Practice in the New Development Stage" conference, jointly organized by the Department of Sociology at Peking University and the Department of Applied Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, including its China and Global Development Network, and Peking University – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Centre.

Date: 24 – 25 November 2023 (Friday – Saturday)

Venue: Yingjie Exchange Centre, Peking University, Beijing, China 

Unprecedented and rapid changes in the world have profoundly reshaped human production and lifestyle in the last century. The dramatic progress of Chinese modernisation and the new development concept demand improved governmental and welfare-related support from the professional social work field. The new challenges posed and novel opportunities presented call for social work innovation – a broad field that encompasses research, education, and practical development. Social work innovation addresses the promotion of innovation in the social work discourse system, educational practices, social welfare policies, and social development. It prompts service model development in the era of artificial intelligence, and building innovative talent teams for social work. In today’s world, these are topics that urgently require active feedback from the social work community.

Our conference aims to foster in-depth exchanges and discussions on social work innovation, covering research, education, and practical development. Esteemed speakers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Ethiopia, Italy, the Philippines and the United States of America have been invited will share their expertise on various themes:

Theme and sub-themes:

Theme:
Innovation in Social Work

Sub-themes:
Innovation and Social Work Education 

Technology, Innovation and Social Work Practice 

Alternative Social Development 

Social Policy Innovation

Organisers and Co-organisers:

Organisers:

China and Global Development Network, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Department of Sociology, Peking University

Peking University – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Centre

Co-organiser:

China Association for Social Work Education

Conference Programme:

* A more detailed programme will be posted before the conference.

Sponsors:

Si Yuan Foundation

ZeShan Foundation
 

Presenter and Participant Information:

Honorary Guests:

Distinguished scholars speaking at our event includes (in alphabetical order):

• Prof. Annamaria CAMPANINI, Senior Project Fellow of the International Association of Schools of Social Work;
• Prof. CHUI Wing Hong, Professor and Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University;
• Dr HO Kwok Leung Denny, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University;
• Prof KU Hok-bun, Professor at the Department of Applied Social Sciences,
• Prof. MA Fengzhi, Vice Chairman of the National Steering Committee for Graduate Education in Social Work and Professor at the Department of Sociology of Peking University;
• Prof. Bowen MCBEATH, Professor at the School of Social Work and Department of Public Administration, Portland State University;
• Prof. Jowima REYES, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Work, University of the Philippines, Diliman;
• Dr Dilu Shaleka TESHOME, Vice President for Institutional Development, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University;
• Prof. WANG Sibin, President of the China Social Work Association and Professor at the Department of Sociology, Peking University;
• Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Honorary Professor and Former Vice-President (Student and Global Affairs) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University;

Paper Presenters:

We have received over a hundred abstract submissions and, through a rigorous selection process by the adjudication panel, gleaned about fifty proposals by scholars from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam etc. We look forward to their presentations that will surely spark insightful discussions and deep professional exchanges.

Attendees:

The conference is open to teachers and students of social work majors in universities around the world, colleagues in social work institutions, and any interested parties.

Registration:

Register here or scan the QR code below:  

Fee: RMB500

Deadline: 17 November 2023
Notes:

- If you submit more than one registration, only the latest submission will be considered.

- The fee can only be accepted through the platform provided by Peking University. Cash and other forms of payment are not accepted.
 - Application of refunds will be processed and completed within a month after the event.

For Non-mainland China participants: Complete first page of registration form only. Press the "blue button" to submit. Confirmation email with payment method will be sent in 2 working days.

For Mainland China participants: Registration is confirmed upon payment, subsequently, confirmation email with a WeChat group link will be sent by 20 November 2023. More details will be posted there. Participants will receive an electronic receipt within a month of the end of the event through the email they provided in the registration form.

Other arrangements:

- Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in both English and Chinese.

- Download an e-copy of the programme here: Att. 1 - Programme.pdf , a physical copy can be collected at the registration counter on 24 November 2023; 
- A electronic version of the Conference Notice and “List of Accepted Papers” will be sent to the email address and WeChat group provided in the registration form.
- Lunch will be provided on 24 November. No accommodation arrangements or meals will be provided to attendees except for the honorary guests. The organising committee has not made reservations at any hotels.

How to Get there:

Download the map of Peking University with all related information here: Att. 3 - PKU map_c.pdf

Enquiry:

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
General Enquiry & Paper submissions in Chinese: 
Ms Yang Jie +86 18600820426 ([email protected])

Registration & payment: 
Ms Yan Feng +86 13041270966 ([email protected])
Paper submissions in English: 
Mr Ricky Fung +852 27667725 ([email protected])

We eagerly await your positive response and look forward to welcoming you to the "Social Work Innovation: Theory and Practice in the New Development Stage" conference. Together, let us make a significant impact on the field of social work.

Yours faithfully, 

The Organising Committee