Current edition

The ISUSW 2023

Creating Sustainable and Equitable Societies: The Intersection of Social Work and Sustainability in the Aftermath of COVID-19

The ISUSW 23 will be hosted by the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University in Australia, from July 10th, 2023 (Monday) to July 21st, 2023 (Friday). The ISUSW 2023 conference will be a 10-day academic program designed for participating students to explore current challenges and opportunities related to social work, sustainability, and sustainable development in the post-COVID-19 world. In addition to providing a unique learning experience for students, this WSU program also presents an opportunity to advance the ISUSW's capacity for collaboration and collective impact on teaching and research in the global social work field.

Sustainability is a complex and multidimensional concept encompassing various human activities aimed at satisfying current needs while ensuring future generations can meet their own needs (UN, 1987). It includes several dimensions, including environmental, economic, social, cultural (spiritual), and political sustainability, which are interconnected and interdependent. Given the holistic and integrated approach of social work to human relations and social change, social work is well-positioned to address a range of sustainability issues.

Our conference theme, "Creating Sustainable and Equitable Societies: The Intersection of Social Work and Sustainability in the Aftermath of COVID-19," highlights the importance of resilience during challenging times and a hopeful vision for a more just and equitable world. This WSU conference aims to explore the intersection of social work and sustainability in the post COVID-19 era and provide a platform for participants, including academics, to share their ideas, knowledge, and experiences. The conference objectives include identifying sustainable development strategies that promote human rights, social justice, and community well-being, exploring the role of social work in creating sustainable and equitable societies, and examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainability issues and social work practice.

The organizing University

The School of Social Sciences - Western Sydney University, Australia

Western Sydney University (WSU) began operating on January 1st, 1989, under the terms of the University of Western Sydney Act, 1988, which was passed by the New South Wales Parliament in December 1988. The university's predecessors date back to 1891 with the establishment of the Hawkesbury Agricultural College. WSU recognizes over 200 cumulative years of bringing knowledge to life in Greater Western Sydney through its heritage and member institutions. WSU has six campuses located in the Greater Western Sydney region, including Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Penrith and Parramatta (City and South).

In 2022, Western Sydney University was recognized as the world's best for sustainable development. The university topped over 1,400 institutions in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for its social, ecological, and economic impact. The recognition was based on WSU's commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where it obtained high rankings in nine areas, including reducing inequalities, promoting good health and well-being, and creating sustainable cities and communities. Western Sydney University is strongly committed to discussing and confronting issues and challenges while supporting a more just and equitable world.

The School of Social Sciences at WSU is dedicated to advancing social justice, human rights, and decolonizing pedagogies in the realm of social work education. Our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) and other social work programs are built upon these foundational principles, which align with WSU's core mission of promoting social justice, providing inclusive education, addressing inequality, promoting environmental stewardship, and building resilience. Our social work programs further recognize the vital importance of the knowledge and culture passed down over generations by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in achieving social, cultural and environmental sustainability.

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Certificate of participation

A certificate of participation is provided for each student by the host university. Academic credits may be obtained for participation, according to the rules set by each member university.