"Knowledge Convergence: International Symposium on Chinese Social Work Practice Research and International Discourse" Successfully Held at Peking University

From November 30th to December 1st, the "Knowledge Convergence: International Symposium on Chinese Social Work Practice Research and International Dialogue" was successfully held at the Yingjie Exchange Center of Peking University. The symposium aimed to deepen the understanding of social work practice research, enhance the level of social work practice research, promote the production of social work knowledge based on national conditions and practical needs, and better promote quality development of social work in China in the new era through extensive research dialogue and exchange.

The symposium was organized by the Department of Sociology at Peking University, the Department of Applied Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Peking University-Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Center, and the China and Global Development Network of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It was co-organized by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) China Office and the China Association of Social Work Education. Over 300 participants, including social work educators, researchers, practitioners, and representatives from various sectors from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Argentina, Belgium, the Philippines, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Moldova, the United States, South Africa, Thailand, Italy, India, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, attended the conference.

The opening ceremony of the conference was chaired by Professor Ma Fengzhi, professor at the Department of Sociology at Peking University and co-director of the Peking University-Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Center. Professor Liu Aiyu, Deputy Director of the Department of Sociology at Peking University, Professor Cui Yongkang, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Ma Fengzhi, President of the China Association of Social Work Education, and Ms. Amacobe Sande, Representative of UNICEF China, delivered speeches on behalf of the organizers and co-organizers.

Prof. Ma Fengzhi Hosting the Opening Ceremony of the Symposium

Amacobe Sande Delivering Speech

The symposium, themed "Social Work Practice Research," was structured into five main sections and eight parallel forums. Key topics included "Keynote Speeches," "The Interplay of Global and Local Knowledge in Social Work Practice and Research," "Social Work Practice Research Across Various Fields and Levels," "Social Work Practice Research within the 'Belt and Road' Initiative: Multicultural Perspectives," and "Child Welfare and Social Work Practice Research: The Role of Social Workers in Alternative Childcare."

Notable participants included Professor Wang Sibin from the Department of Sociology at Peking University, Professor Gu Xuebin from the Department of Applied Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Professor Antoinette Lombard, President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work and Head of the Department of Social Work and Criminology at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. In total, over 30 domestic and international social work researchers presented their findings.

The parallel forums addressed a variety of subjects, including "Social Work Practice Research in Different Population Service Areas," "Social Policy and Social Work Practice Research," "Social Work Practice Research and Talent Team Building," "Epistemology and Methodology of Social Work Practice Research," "Social Work Values and Ethics in Practice Research," "Localization of Social Work Practice Research," "Rural Revitalization and Social Work Practice Research," and "Social Work Practice Research in the Technological Era." More than 40 speakers from both domestic and international backgrounds shared their insights during these sessions.

Throughout their presentations, scholars underscored the critical importance of social work practice research for the high-quality advancement of the field. Experts engaged in in-depth discussions on methodologies and epistemologies of practice research, emphasizing how research across different levels and domains can enhance social work services and refine social policy. Presenters from 11 nations and regions showcased diverse practice research cases, illustrating the importance of intercultural exchange and dialogue among social work professionals.

Participants from "Belt and Road" countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, and Georgia, contributed to deeper discussions on social work education, supervision, and the training of social work professionals. Notably, the conference, supported by the UNICEF China Office, established a special forum titled "Child Welfare and Social Work Practice Research: The Role of Social Workers in Alternative Childcare." This forum focused on policy frameworks and service experiences related to caring for children in challenging situations across various cultural and institutional contexts. It explored the professional role of social work in family support, kinship care, and the transformation of child welfare institutions. This special forum provided an invaluable platform for dialogue and exchange among researchers and practitioners dedicated to global child welfare and protection.

Prof. Wang Sibin Presenting

Prof. Antoinette Lombrad Presenting

The closing ceremony was hosted by Dr. Deng Suo from the Department of Sociology at Peking University, with Professors Wang Sibin and Gu Xuebin providing the concluding remarks. Both professors emphasized that the conference yielded fruitful results, achieving three key "convergence" goals: the convergence of the social work academic community with practitioners, the convergence of policy with practice, and the convergence of knowledge and wisdom from different countries.

Social work practice research emphasizes the principle of "coming from practice and returning to practice." It not only involves the study of social work practices but also aims to advance social work services and the development of the social work profession. This international conference covered a wide range of topics in social work practice research across different levels and fields, bringing together experts and scholars from various countries and regions. It provided a rare opportunity for dialogue and exchange between China and the global community. We believe that this conference will deepen the understanding of social work practice research and promote the advancement of social work discipline and professional development in the new era.

Dr. Deng Suo Hosting the Closing Ceremony

Group Photo of the Symposium