FROM ETHICAL CHALLENGES ON THE SOCIAL WORK FRONTLINE TO JOINT ACTION FOR A NEW ECO-SOCIAL WORLD

Abstract

This article traces the social work journey through the experience of the global COVID-19 crisis as it impacts on the profession’s underpinning values. It discusses the route from the initial challenges experienced by social workers worldwide, to the global profession advocating for a shift from individualistic social protection systems to platforms that prevent social crises. In the context of learning from the pandemic, the Global Agenda for Social Work theme ‘Ubuntu: I am because we are’ has brought enquiry and clarity into the re-examination of social work values and principles. This has led to the global profession working with others to call for the unlocking of the silos separating health and social protection systems and heightened engagement with communities, the United Nations and political leaders. The article concludes with a proposition that the social work profession should support an inclusive global conversation on the values needed to shape a new eco-social world where no one is left behind.

Keywords

• covid-19, social work ethics, eco-social, ubuntu