Azerbaijan University was represented at the 34th European Social Services Conference (ESSC 2026), held in Valletta, Malta, in May. Nigar Shahhuseynbayova, Head of the Department of Social Work Organization and PhD in Sociological Sciences, participated in the session titled “Child-Centred Responses to the Needs of Unaccompanied Children” within the framework of an international panel dedicated to unaccompanied migrant children. The session presented the experiences of Spain and the United States in child protection, access to education and healthcare services, psychosocial support, family reunification, and trauma-informed approaches. Discussions demonstrated that child-centered approaches significantly enhance the effectiveness of social services.

Organized by the European Social Network, the Conference convened representatives from state social service agencies, scholars, social work practitioners, and civil society organizations. This year’s event, themed “Bridging Boundaries: International Insights into Social Services”, addressed the development of social welfare systems, innovative service delivery models, and avenues for international cooperation.

The Conference featured numerous sessions on pressing topics, including social inequality and inclusion, work with migrants and unaccompanied children, social support for older adults and individuals living with dementia, the digitalization of social services, restorative justice, social integration policy, youth social inclusion, and evidence-based approaches to social services.

The opening and plenary sessions focused on the key challenges facing social services in the modern era, the eradication of social inequality, and the role of social services in building an inclusive society. The plenary session titled “From Inequality to Inclusion: Inspiring Change” underscored the importance of reducing social and health inequalities, expanding early intervention programs, and enhancing service accessibility for vulnerable populations.

One of the keynote addresses was delivered by Prof. Sir Michael Marmot, a renowned scholar in social epidemiology and public health. He stressed that health outcomes depend not merely on healthcare services, but on broader factors such as education, employment, income levels, and the social environment, noting that social justice serves as the fundamental foundation of a healthy society.

The Conference also provided an opportunity to explore Malta experience in the field of dementia care. Presentations detailed home- and community-based support services, caregiver training programs, hotlines, and psychosocial support mechanisms for families.

Additionally, case studies were presented on restorative justice and community-based approaches implemented under the ASTREA project in the Lazio region of Italy, inter-agency coordination mechanisms for migrant social integration in Germany, and North Macedonia's successful transition from institutional care models to community-based social services.

During sessions focused on youth social inclusion and engagement with NEET youth (those Not in Employment, Education, or Training), speakers emphasized the multidimensional nature of social exclusion and highlighted the pivotal role social enterprises play in boosting employment and fostering integration.

As a result of meetings with international delegates, discussions were held on expanding international cooperation, conducting joint research, organizing student and expert exchanges, and exploring participation in international projects.

Azerbaijan University’s participation in ESSC 2026 marks a significant milestone in exploring international best practices in social work, broadening academic networks, and integrating advanced methodologies into the development of social services.

Public Relations Department