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The International Conference “Social Work in Action: Interdisciplinary and Global‑Informed Strategies for Bridging and Advancing Sustainable Development in Central Asia” was held on 4–5 May 2026 at Al‑Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) in Almaty. Co‑organised by the The Hong Kong Polytechnic University – Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia, the China and Global Development Network of the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science at KazNU, and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the conference brought together about 200 delegates from 27 countries and regions across Central Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. 

Delegates exchanging insights across social work and other disciplines for sustainable development in Central Asia.The programme opened with remarks from Prof. Zhanseit TUIMEBAYEV, Rector of KazNU, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS at PolyU, and Prof. Antoinette LOMBARD, President of IASSW. A highlight of the opening ceremony was the signing of an agreement between IASSW and PolyU, extending their collaboration on the Online Learning Platform for Global Standards for Social Work Education. 

Opening remarks from Prof. Zhanseit Tuimebayev (Rector, KazNU), Prof. Eric Chui (Head, APSS, PolyU), and Prof. Antoinette Lombard (President, IASSW).

Prof. Eric CHUI (Head, APSS, PolyU) and Prof. Antoinette LOMBARD (President, IASSW) signing the agreement.This was followed by a memorandum of understanding between PolyU and KazNU to deepen cooperation in glocalising social work education and practice in Central Asia.

Prof. Eric CHUI (PolyU) and Prof. Zhanseit TUIMEBAYEV (Al-Farabi Kazakh National University) presenting the signed MOU.

Prof. Ben KU (Director of CGDN) made a keynote address titled “Social Work of Reconciliation and Envisioning a Better World in an Age of Disaster”. The keynote introduces the Social Work of Reconciliation, a framework for repairing fractures and restoring relationships between individuals and others, themselves, and the natural world in a violent, hostile, and deeply divided world.

Over two days, plenary sessions, parallel panels and poster presentations addressed themes such as social and economic challenges in Central Asia, global standards in social work education, climate change and sustainable environmental development, NGO strengthening, mental health and well‑being, and inclusive communities.

The conference underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and adapting global standards to local realities, providing a platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and strengthen networks. In his closing encouragement, Prof. Geoffrey Qiping SHEN, Associate Vice President of PolyU, emphasised that social work is ultimately about bringing resilience, hope, and vision to communities, ensuring the profession continues to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development in Central Asia and beyond.

International exchange: 200 delegates from 27 countries and regions in attendance.

Online coverage:

KazNU’s website: https://farabi.university/news/105416?lang=en

KazNU’s Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/id=100064893631904

IASSW’s website: https://www.iassw-aiets.org/2026/05/10/