The 2nd International Conference on Social Work & Social Research, held at Azerbaijan University, concluded its proceedings with a closing ceremony. During the Conference’s sectional sessions, which brought together participants from over 20 countries, approximately 100 presentations were delivered. The sessions featured extensive exchanges of views on topics such as the development of social work education, social work practice during crises, social protection for vulnerable groups, social policy in healthcare and education, addictions, and family issues.

At the closing ceremony, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs of the University, Yusif Gasimov, addressed the participants, emphasizing that the Conference had been highly productive and effective. In her concluding remarks, Rector Saadat Aliyeva expressed her gratitude to the event’s partners, participants, plenary speakers, and students who actively contributed to the Conference. She also announced the official resolutions adopted during the Conference.

The resolutions of the Conference are as follows:

• Undertake necessary measures to index the “Social Issues” journal, established following the 2023 Social Work & Social Research Conference, in Scopus and other international scientometric databases;
• Establish a faculty of Social Work based on the existing Department of Social Work Organization;
• Launch an English-medium Master’s program in Social Work;
• Host the 3rd International Conference on Social Work & Social Research in 2027 on Azerbaijan’s territories liberated from occupation.

The announced resolutions were met with enthusiastic applause from the participants.

Following the Conference, an excursion was organized for international delegates, allowing them to explore Baku’s historic city center and Gobustan.

This vibrant and memorable event not only served as a platform for academic discussion and knowledge exchange but also as a bridge of friendship between nations, fostering new connections and strengthening existing ties.

It should be noted that the International Conference, organized and hosted by Azerbaijan University, jointly with the Center for Social Research, and Firat and Recep Tayyip Erdogan Universities of Turkiye, was dedicated to the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty. The first conference was held in November 2023. Its overarching aim is to provide an academic platform for discussing issues such as the development of social work education, setting international standards in the field, and the social protection of vulnerable groups. It seeks to engage researchers in discussions on current challenges in social work and social policy and to foster experience exchange in the development and application of modern technologies and social practices aimed at enhancing the socio-psychological wellbeing of diverse population groups.

Link to the conference page: https://au.edu.az/en/conferences/2nd-international-conference-on-social-work-social-research

Public Relations Department