21 March 2023
Diversity is beauty – COSW statement celebrating World Social Work Day and Commonwealth Day
11 March 2023
Commonwealth Young Carer Champion – Oritsé Williams – highlights need to respond to the voices of young carers on Commonwealth Day – 13 March 2023
“Thousands of children and young people around the Commonwealth help look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol addiction”, said Commonwealth Young Carer Champion and JLS star Oritsé Williams, speaking on the eve of Commonwealth Day 2023.
Some of these are children as young as four or five years old – and I was one of them. I want to ensure that, on Commonwealth Day 2023, the voices of these children are heard”, Oritsé continued.
23 February 2023
COSW partners with JLS Star Oritsé Williams to Promote Commonwealth Young Carer Charter
14 February 2023
COSW celebrates Commonwealth Day and World Social Work Day
COSW is marking Commonwealth Day on 13th March 2023 and World Social Work Day on 21st March 2023 with a webinar on migration of social workers, which aims to enhance respect for the diversity of migrating social workers through our joint action (see below).
Migration webinar – Tuesday 14th March 2023 12.30 – 13.45 (GMT/UCT)
Many social workers migrate from one country to another every year because of a wide variety of individual decisions. The experience of migration – moving to work in a different country from that where one trained – is profound for the individual (and their family if one is involved). It works well for some but the previous work experience of the social worker can be ignored or devalued on arrival and settling in can be more difficult than expected.
This webinar, with speakers from all Commonwealth regions, will explore the reasons for and experiences of migration and the responsibilities of employers in receiving countries. It is the right of individual social workers to move to the place where their skills are used to best advantage and they have the lifestyle they prefer. On the other hand, there are consequences for countries and organisations as a result of migration, in both sending and receiving countries. It is not aiming to encourage or discourage social workers to migrate.
Keynote address by Professor Liz Beddoe (New Zealand) co-editor of Transnational Social Work’. Speakers from India, Africa, Caribbean, North America and UK.
Download the programme to see the sessions and speakers and to register. Registration required! Non-UK attendees can enter code INTGUEST on the registration form to register without paying the fee
29 November 2022
Statement on the climate emergency and the outcome of COP27
COSW is pleased to be a signatory to the following statement issued by 20 Commonwealth Organisations following the end of COP27 in Egypt and sent to the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
The statement draws attention to the fact that: ‘The impacts of climate change do not fall evenly across Commonwealth countries. Those who have added most to global warming – the rich northern industrialised countries – are most able to protect their populations from climate change impacts but should also support calls to fund adaptation and mitigation measures in the Commonwealth South.’
The statement concludes: ‘Looking ahead, Commonwealth States have an obligation to prevent, address, and remedy the negative human rights impacts caused by climate change. They also need to remove the barriers to participation at COPs and at related meetings that are faced by activists and by marginalised and vulnerable groups, including indigenous peoples, older people and persons with disabilities.’
‘We wish to celebrate the breakthrough agreement to provide “loss and damage” funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters and congratulate negotiators from across the Commonwealth on this achievement. However, the lack of ambition on emissions reduction leaves much to be done in preparation for COP28.’
Image from United Nations website
6 November 2022
COSW convenes first online Policy Forum
COSW held its first ever online and interactive meeting on Saturday 22nd October 2022 for social workers and students in the Commonwealth, national associations, universities and anybody else who wishes to support COSW activities, attended by around 250 participants from all regions in the Commonwealth. The outcomes are presented in this short summary.
20 October 2022
COSW annual activity report published
The COSW activity report is published today reporting on participation in CHOGM 2022 in Rwanda, human rights for all, decolonisation, Young Carers Charter, professional networking, new Children’s Cluster, IFSW/UNRISD People’s Summit, several webinars (including Comparative Histories of Social Work in the Commonwealth) and much more, all ensuring a visible social work voice in the Commonwealth.
In her foreword, COSW Chair Sylvia Daisy Romanus (India) writes ‘The past year has been yet another incredible journey for COSW. There has been consistent coordination between COSW and the global social work bodies, international NGOs and the other Commonwealth Organisations. … It is becoming more and more evident that COSW, with its strong networks, is promoting the Commonwealth goals of prosperity, democracy and peace.’
The report also highlights the new governance arrangements for COSW, being phased in over the next two years. The report and governance arrangements are being discussed in an open Policy Forum on Saturday 22 October 2022 in two identical meetings at 06.00 and 16.00 UTC/GMT.
NOTE TO EDITORS
COSW is an organisation for citizens of the Commonwealth who are interested in supporting social work and social development. It is supported by social work associations in the Commonwealth. It aims to promote and support communication and collaboration between social workers and social work associations of Commonwealth countries, and to uphold and promote the code of ethics of the International Federation of Social Workers. This statement can be found on the COSW website www.cosw.info/cosw-news
Contact David N Jones +44-1604-414345 ComSocWk@aol.com Twitter @CwlthSocWk
14 October 2022
COSW Newsletter issue 4 published
28th September 2022
COSW invites supporters to the first online Policy Forum on 22 October 2022 – open to all
Calling all social workers and students in the Commonwealth, national associations, universities and anybody else who wishes to support COSW activities to join an open meeting on Saturday 22 October. There are two open meetings so people from all time zones can choose the best time for them to participate – 06.00 and 16.00 (UTC).
See the attached poster for information and joining details.
9th September 2022
COSW shares a deep sadness at the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth.
29 June 2022
COSW WELCOMES OPENING OF THE GLOBAL PEOPLE’S SUMMIT – CO-BUILDING OUR SHARED FUTURES – 29 JUNE – 2 JULY 2022
The People’s Global Summit, ‘Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind’ is already underway. The Summit will run 24 hours for four days.
Sylvia Romanus, COSW Chair, commented: ’this remarkable partnership of global organisations and local communities is voicing the experience of millions around the world calling for new approaches, peace and social justice. COSW is proud to be a part of this landmark event and calls on political leaders to respond with generosity and determination. Social workers all over the world are ready to respond, supporting people and communities to realise their human potential.’
16 June 2022
SOCIAL WORKERS PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN THE COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF
GOVERNMENT MEETING 19-25 June 2022
COSW launches further consultation on proposed Commonwealth Young Carers Charter – responding to the voices of young carers
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM 2022
Submission by Commonwealth Accredited Organisations (COs) April 2022
18th April 2022
2022 Commonwealth Civil Society Policy Forum
Commercial determinants of health: evidence, tools, dialogue, advocacy
Online forum | 27 April 2022 | 09:30 – 12:00 midday (London time)
REGISTER NOW | CCSPF 2022 Program Final
COSW is a Member organisation of the Commonwealth Health Professions and Partners Alliance (CHPA)
4 April 2022
COSW welcomes news that UN Secretary-General will open Global People’s Summit
29 March 2022
COSW webinar 5 April 2022 on social work and public health
14 March 2022
COSW Commonwealth Day statement reaffirms the commitment of social workers to public service and calls on The Commonwealth to facilitate vaccine equity.
08th March 2022
COSW Newsletter – 3rd Issue Released
02nd March 2022
Commonwealth social workers stand firmly against acts of aggression
7th December 2021
COSW LAUNCHES ACTIVITY REPORT 2019-2021
SPEAKING OUT FOR SOCIAL WORK IN THE COMMONWEALTH 2019 – 2021
8th November 2021
World Leaders Invited to Join Global Mass Movement for Eco-Social Change
24th October 2021
COSW is inviting proposals and abstracts for a webinar in March 2022 on the history and development of social work across the Commonwealth.
26th Aug. 2021
Open letter to United Nations – current and unfolding situation in Afghanistan
22nd Aug. 2021
2nd Issue of COSW Newsletter released
31st July 2021
COSW joined as a partner for the ‘Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind’ Summit initiated by UNRISD and IFSW
Press Release – 16th July 2021 – Board Meeting
12th July 2021
Press Release – 30th June 2021
COSW Statement on Human Rights for all people in the Commonwealth
17th June 2021
In memory of Terry Bamford – 12th May 2021 video online
COMMONWEALTH HISTORY OF SOCIAL WORK Webinar – 29 March 2021 – Video online
29th April 2021
Memorial -Remembering Terry’s life, his work and the impact he had – 12th May 2021 7pm – 8pm UK Time
9th April 2021
COSW recognises the long and distinguished service of Prince Philip to the Commonwealth and sends deepest condolences to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth
20th March 2021
CHOGM 2021 – Submission by Commonwealth Civil Society Organisations
29 March 2021 Webinar
SOCIAL WORK HISTORY NETWORK COMMONWEALTH HISTORY OF SOCIAL WORK
Registrations open (click here)
16th March 2021
1st Issue of COSW Newsletter released
8th March 2021
International Women’s day – Commonwealth social workers work for gender equality
6th March 2021
COSW JOINS COALITION OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WORK INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONS TO ADVOCATE FOR GLOBAL EQUITABLE ACCESS FOR VACCINE AND TO INCREASE HEALTH AND SOCIAL PROTECTION WORKFORCE
29 March 2021 Webinar
SOCIAL WORK HISTORY NETWORK COMMONWEALTH HISTORY OF SOCIAL WORK
Registrations open (click here)
CALL TO ACTION ON SUSTAINABLE URBANISATION – COSW Press release
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COMMONWEALTH ORGANISATION FOR SOCIAL WORK BOARD MEETING AND VIRTUAL GENERAL MEETING SOCIAL WORKERS HELPING TO SHAPE THE COMMONWEALTH
1 April 2022
COSW 