The Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union made its debut appearance at the Meeting of Representatives of the European Region of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) in Istanbul, Turkey, from April 14-16, 2013. Led by Aytekin Huseynli, Executive Director of the Social Work Public Union of Azerbaijan, the delegation was warmly received by 65 members from Western, Southern, and Eastern European countries, including the South Caucasus.
Kristina Martins, President of the IFSW for the European Region, chaired the 3-day event, with Rory Truell, Secretary General of the World IFSW, also in attendance to greet the delegates. Aytekin Huseynli was elected as a one-year deputy to the Executive Committee, marking a significant moment for Azerbaijan’s representation within the IFSW. The meeting focused on reviewing the previous year’s program, setting agendas for the upcoming years, and outlining tasks for member countries
In 2013, Mr. Rory Truell, Secretary General of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), visited Azerbaijan’s National Assembly. He met with the Chairman of the Social Policy Committee, MP and professor Hadi Rajabli, along with representatives from the Azerbaijan Social Work Community Union (AZSIB). Discussions centered on Azerbaijan’s work in social work, social protection, and social services. The visit, from May 1-3, 2013, included meetings with universities teaching social work, the UN representation in Azerbaijan, and NGOs in the social work and development sector. The IFSW, founded in 1928, has 90 country members with one million professional social worker members worldwide.
The Azerbaijan Social Work Union hosted an event titled “Social Work in Turkey” on March 14, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. The event featured Dr. Kasım Karataş, Professor of the Department of Social Work at Hacettepe University in Turkey, who shared insights on social work practices. Representatives from Baku State University, Azerbaijan University, and Tourism University were present. The meeting, held at the American Educated Alumni (AAA) conference hall, also welcomed para-social workers from various local and international NGOs.
During the event, Dr. Karataş provided a comprehensive overview of the history, development, and current landscape of social work in Turkey. He also discussed pathways to social work education in Turkey, engaging participants in discussions about social work practices, the role of social workers, and the organization of social work education in Turkey.
The Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union organised an event titled “Social Work with Individuals and Families in Crisis” on April 2, 2013. The interactive presentation was led by Filiz DEMİROZ, a professor from Hacettepe University’s Department of Social Work. Around 60 participants, primarily social work students and specialists from Baku State University, Azerbaijan University, and Tourism University, attended the event.
During the presentation, Mrs. Demiröz discussed various crises faced by individuals and families, highlighting the role of social workers in addressing these challenges. Detailed information about this aspect of social work was shared, and participants engaged Mrs. Demiröz with numerous questions after the presentation.
The event took place at the conference hall of American Educated Azerbaijani Graduates as part of the “Continuous Professional Development” program organised by the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union.
Our association, represented by Executive Director Lamiya Rzayeva, participated in the General Meeting of the Azerbaijan NGO Alliance on Children’s Rights on October 31, 2014. During the meeting, held in 2014, discussions included an analysis of the situation regarding children’s rights in Azerbaijan, a report on the Alliance’s activities from 2013 to 2014, and the development of an action plan for the upcoming year.
The International Federation of Social Workers held its biennial General Meeting on June 24 and 25, 2016, in Seoul, South Korea. This meeting, attended by 113 member countries of the Federation, is a platform where global issues concerning social workers and their role in addressing social problems are discussed.
Azerbaijan participated in this meeting for the first time, represented by the Azerbaijan Social Work Union, a member of the Federation. Ms. Aytekin Huseynli, a member of the Management Board and the Chairman of the Union, represented Azerbaijan at the General Assembly.
The International Federation of Social Workers, established in Paris in 1928 during the first world conference of social workers, now boasts 113 member countries. Membership in the federation is through the professional organisations of social workers. The Azerbaijan Social Work Union has been a member of the Federation since 2012, representing the country among the 113 member nations.
Azerbaijan Social Workers Public Union participated in the meeting of the International Federation of Social Workers on June 1-4, 2016.
On December 13, 2016, the Azerbaijan Social Work Union (AZSSIB) organised a round table at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, in collaboration with Austrian experts Nicole Bauer and Robert Kroiss from Hilsferk Austrian International Organisation. The event aimed to facilitate cooperation among Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Azerbaijan working in the field of social work and social services. The round table included discussions on various topics such as the activities of NGOs related to social work and social services in Azerbaijan, the collaboration between these NGOs and the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union (AZSIIB), the promotion of the social work profession in Azerbaijan, and the creation of a network among NGOs. Six NGO representatives – Matanat Garakhanova (Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society), Mehriban Zeynalova (“Clean World” Women’s Aid Public Union), Gwen Berchel (UAFA), Matanat Sohramanova (UAFA), Sevinj Gasimova (UAFA) – along with one university representative, Sadagat Aliyeva (Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts), participated in the discussions.
As part of the Fulbright Program with support from the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, Professor Dr. Letizia Villareal-Sosa from the Dominican University of the USA is teaching social work in Baku. The Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union is organizing these visits with assistance from US Visit.
Three visits by Prof. Letizia to Azerbaijan are planned, and two of these have already taken place. During these visits, Prof. Letizia has conducted training sessions for employees of the centers of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children’s Problems in Baku and regions, as well as for representatives of NGOs in Baku. She has also delivered lectures at universities where social work is taught.
During her visit from November 22 to December 3, 2016, Prof. Letizia Villareal-Sosa spoke to first-year students at Azerbaijan University of Culture and Arts on the topic of “Creation of social services and programs.” She also conducted training for second-year students at AZDMIU and other universities on “Research methods of social work.” Additionally, a 4-day training session was held at the Shuvalan Center of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children’s Problems. This training covered topics such as “Evidence-based Research on Practice and Programs,” “Introduction to Substance Abuse and Dependence,” “Use of Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction Models in the Treatment of Substance Abuse and Dependent Persons,” and “Human Trafficking.” Prof. Letizia’s final visit is scheduled for April 22 to May 5.
Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union 