News & Events

The international conference titled “Synthesizing Knowledge: Chinese Social Work Practice Research and Its Dialogue with the World” was successfully held at the Yingjie Exchange Center, Peking University from 30 November 2024 to 1 December 2024. Jointly organised 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, and co-organised by UNICEF China Office and the China Association for Social Work Education. Over 300 participants, including social work educators and students, team members from social work agencies, and other community members from various countries and regions, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Argentina, Belgium, the Philippines, Georgia, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam gathered to discuss the latest developments and future directions in social work practice research.

The conference commenced with a captivating opening ceremony showcasing renowned speakers, Professor LIU Aiyu, the Deputy Head of Department of Sociology at Peking University; Professor Eric CHUI, the Chair Professor and Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Professor MA Fengzhi, President of the China Social Work for Education Association; and MsAmacobe SANDE, UNICEF representative to China. Each delivered remarks on behalf of the organisers and co-organisers.

Professor KU Hok Bun the director of China and Global Development Network of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University then presented on “Predicaments and Way Out of Social Work in China.” He analysed the current dilemmas faced by social work in China and proposed practice research as a viable solution, advocating for practice research and innovative methods to enhance service quality and promote high-quality development in social work. He shared insights from his 30 years of grassroots practice, encouraging social work educators and practitioners, particularly young professionals, to maintain passion and perseverance despite feelings of sadness and disappointment.

Participants engaged actively in keynote speeches, plenary sessions, and parallel forums that covered a wide range of topics, including:

- Glocal Knowledge in Social Work

- Social Work Practice Research across various Fields

- Service Provision for Diverse Populations

- Social Policy and Social Work Practice

- Social Work Education and Talent Team Construction

- Epistemology and Methodology in Social Work Practice Research

- Multicultural Perspectives under the Belt and Road Initiative

- Rural Revitalization and Technology in Social Work

- Support for Children without Parental Care, including care reform strategies and family reintegration efforts. 

These discussions facilitated deep insights into the intersection of social work practice, policy, and education.

On 1 December, the conference will continue with a plenary session and four parallel sessions throughout the day, concluding with a closing ceremony at 17:30.

More photos can be found here