News & Events

International Conference “Social Work in Action: Interdisciplinary and Global-Informed Strategies for Bridging and
 Advancing Sustainable Development in Central Asia

4 – 5 May 2026, Almaty

Dear All, 

We are excited to announce the upcoming International Conference on “Social Work in Action: Interdisciplinary and Global-Informed Strategies for Bridging and Advancing Sustainable Development in Central Asia”, and we cordially invite you to registrate for it!

Introduction

Central Asia stands at a pivotal juncture in its pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), facing complex and interwoven challenges. Social work plays a vital role in fostering inclusion and resilience, yet traditional models often fall short in addressing the region’s multifaceted realities. Strengthening social welfare systems requires building institutional capacity and equipping practitioners with interdisciplinary and culturally grounded skills. This international conference offers a platform for dialogue across social work, and multiple disciplines, aiming to catalyse collaborative strategies for sustainable development while aligning with global standards and professional frameworks.

Objectives

• Establish an international platform for dialogue among academics, practitioners, and policymakers.
• Analyse current challenges and opportunities for social work and social work education in advancing the SDGs in Central Asia.
• Showcase innovative and technological models and interdisciplinary research at the intersection of social work, social work education and other fields.
• Strengthen regional and international cooperation for joint projects and policy development.
• Generate actionable recommendations for inclusive and sustainable social work and social work education practices.

Key Interdisciplinary Theme

• Social Work for Sustainable and Inclusive Communities

Social sustainability; Inclusive communities; Economic empowerment; Poverty alleviation; Social entrepreneurship; Labour market integration; Migration and inclusion; Support for vulnerable groups, gender equality, and youth engagement

• Global Standards and Social Work Education

Curriculum development and harmonisation, contextualisation, and digital learning platforms; Global competencies for social work professionals; Comparative analysis of social work education models; Integration of international social work competencies

• Health and Well-being

Public health and community well-being; Mental health, integrated care, and crisis response; Global health challenges and strategies; Preventive health and health promotion; Well-being in the workplace and education; Health equity and access to care

• Climate Change and Sustainable Environmental Development

Climate change; Environmental sustainability; Sustainable development; Climate resilience; Biodiversity; Ecosystem protection; Green technologies; Renewable energy; Circular economy; Environmental policy; Carbon reduction; Adaptation and mitigation strategies; Environmental governance; Climate risks. Climate adaptation and green social work

• Strengthening NGOs and Social Service Providers: Legal, Regulatory, and International Standards Perspectives

The Role of NGOs in the Development of Social Work; Capacity building and professional development for social service providers; Ethics, rights, and social justice in NGO social work; Compliance with international standards in NGO-led social services

Registration (Deadline: 24 April 2026, extended)

We invite all participants to complete the registration process and submit the registration fee.

• Link: https://polyu.hk/CftcO
• A confirmation email will be sent upon successful registration. 
• Click here to access the conference programme. 
• Click here to access the "A Practical Guide for International Guests"

Registration Fee

• In‑person participation: USD 50 (Includes conference materials, coffee breaks, and lunches)
• Special offer for students and faculty members: Free of charge (Includes conference materials and coffee breaks) 
• Online participation via Zoom: Cancelled due to insufficient number of registered participants

Please note that hotel accommodation, airfare, and personal expenses are not covered. Kindly be advised that cancellations and refunds are not available.

Payment Methods 　

Participants may choose one of the following payment options:

• Bank Transfer: Participants are requested to remit the registration fee to the designated bank account by 27 April 2026. Please send a copy of the bank transfer proof to the organiser to confirm your registration. The invoice and banking details will be provided after successful registration.
• On-site Payment: Cash payment upon arrival may be available, subject to prior confirmation.

Participants

This conference welcomes participants from social work and beyond, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue across health, education, economics, environment, and digital innovation. While rooted in Central Asia, it invites global scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in sustainable development. Diverse perspectives will enrich collaboration, foster innovation, and strengthen inclusive, resilient communities worldwide.

Official Languages

The working languages of the Conference are English, Kazakh, and Russian.

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided for plenary sessions.

Venue

Library, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Field Visits (Optional)

Field Visits will be held after the main Conference, on 6 – 7 May 2026.

• Focus: The field visit is designed as a “living laboratory,” where participants will meet local residents, observe traditional practices, and reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.
• Nature Tour: A visit to Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon.
• Registration: Please indicate your interest on the registration form.
• Fee: USD 200. Onsite registration only. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
• For information regarding Field Visits, please refer to this field visit brief.

Organisers

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia
• China and Global Development Network, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
• International Association of Schools of Social Work

For more information, please contact

Dr Aruzhan Saimassayeva

Email: [email protected] | [email protected] 

WhatsApp: +7 778 553 04 10

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

Email: [email protected] 

Yours faithfully, 

The Conference Organising Committee

Social Work in Action:

Interdisciplinary and Global-Informed Strategies for Bridging and 

Advancing Sustainable Development in Central Asia