Who we are and how it all started
Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union stands as the sole professional association representing social workers in the nation. Established in 2006 by Azerbaijani social workers educated in the United States, the organisation attained official registration from the Ministry of Justice in 2009.
Affiliated with the International Association of Social Workers, our organisation operates as a membership-based entity, bringing together over 250 social workers, encompassing practitioners, students, and educators alike. Decisions of strategic importance are collectively determined by the General Assembly. Members actively participate in the democratic and transparent election process, choosing individuals for key positions such as the Board, Control-Supervision Commission, Chair, and Deputy Chair/s.
Our Foundations:
Research plays a pivotal role in our organisation, where we conduct diverse studies, needs assessment surveys for novel social programs, and evaluations of existing services, programs, and policies. The considerable expertise of our members in various fields empowers the organization to shape its activities and programs on a foundation of real evidence and identified needs. Through rigorous research methodologies, we strive to ensure that our initiatives are well-informed and responsive to the dynamic challenges and requirements within our community.
Advocacy and lobbying constitute integral facets of the AZSWPU’s mission, positioning us as a prominent force in championing the eradication of social problems and advocating for the adoption of new laws, programs, strategies, and policies that enhance social development and safeguard the well-being of the population. As staunch advocates, we tirelessly work to influence positive change, leveraging our standing to shape legislative and policy frameworks that foster social progress and protection for all. Our commitment to these initiatives reflects our dedication to creating a more equitable and supportive society.
Our Vision and Goals
Our goals center on advancing social services, policies, and programs both within Azerbaijan and internationally. A primary focus is active involvement in needs-based and evidence-driven program development for social workers in Azerbaijan. To realize these objectives, the AZSWPU team provides consultations and conducts workshops for various international and local organizations, as well as government agencies. Through collaborative efforts, we strive to contribute to the progress and enhancement of social work practices within the country, fostering a supportive and effective framework for social services on both local and global scales.
AZSWPU is proactively engaged in enhancing the capacity of social workers, the social service workforce, and social work educators. Employing a diverse range of interactive methods within informal education, such as training sessions, workshops, living libraries, forum theatre, playback, tenSing, and grassroots talks, our organization is dedicated to strengthening the skills and knowledge of its beneficiaries. Additionally, AZSWPU plays a pivotal role in contributing to curriculum development at universities that offer social work education, ensuring that academic programs align with the evolving needs and challenges in the field. Through these initiatives, we actively foster the continuous professional growth and development of individuals in the social work sector.
Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union 