World Social Work Day is the key day in the year that social workers worldwide stand together to advance our common message globally. 

It is the key day in the year that social workers worldwide stand together to celebrate the achievements of the profession and take the theme message into their communities, workplaces and to their governments to raise awareness of the social work contributions and need for further action.

Globally, the day will be celebrated on 17th March which clashes with St Patrick's Day in Ireland. As such, social workers in Ireland are celebrating on alternative dates, the Cork celebrations taking place on Tuesday, 24th March. 

Details of the programme for the day will be announced in the next couple of weeks. 

This year, the 2020 World Social Day highlights ‘Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships’. This is the fourth and final theme of the 2010 to 2020 Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development.

Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships: This theme was established to build international focus on the interdependence of people and the need for change in policies and social service delivery. Commenting on the theme IFSW Secretary-General, Rory Truell said:

“The integrated themes of the Global Agenda give voice and action for a sustainable world. A world underpinned by equality, where everyone has the skills to contribute to their environments for benefit of all and the planet. This theme highlights that co-determining relationships between people, communities, nations are essential in addressing the social, economic and ecological challenges. Drawing on the core skills of bringing people together to balance needs in celebrated diversity, social work has a significant and essential contribution to make in every society. Our task and mission at the time is to advance this message in our communities, in our workplaces and with our governments and shape a sustainable future.”