Today is a day to honor the people who are there every day in the toughest situations. It is a day to celebrate those who offer support, lend a listening ear, help others find a foothold, and ensure no one is left to face their difficulties alone.
World Social Work Day, established by the International Federation of Social Workers, highlights the vital role of professionals who work with vulnerable groups, internally displaced persons, and families in crisis situations.
The theme for 2026 is “Building Hope and Harmony Together.” The slogan for this day is “Building Hope and Harmony Together: A Harambee (Swahili for ‘all together’) Call to Unite a Divided Society.”
In a world where inequality is growing, conflicts persist, and environmental challenges intensify, social workers are the ones who help people and communities find common ground again, rebuild trust, and restore a sense of unity.
“Social work is not just a profession. It is about a heart that responds and about daily, often invisible work. Social workers support families, children, older adults, military personnel, people with disabilities, and IDPs — and they do so with dignity, respect, and faith in humanity. They are the bridge between people and assistance, between despair and hope,” noted Natalia Stadnychuk, director of the NGO “Space for Positive Change.”
For modern Ukraine, this day holds special significance. Social work today is no longer just about providing assistance; it is the foundation of national resilience.
We thank each and every one of you who has chosen this path.
Your work changes people’s lives and makes our society stronger.