4th International Conference on Social Work (ICOSW–2026)

The National Institute of Social Development (NISD) successfully hosted the 4^th International Conference on Social Work (ICOSW–2026) under the theme:

“Co-Building Hope and Harmony: Social Work Responses to Inequality and Social Change.”

Held on 23 September 2026, the conference brought together researchers, academics, social work practitioners, students, professionals, and distinguished invitees from Sri Lanka, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan and Malaysia to share knowledge, research, experiences, and innovative perspectives on contemporary social work and social development.

The conference was held under the leadership of Senior Professor Premakumara de Silva, Director General, National Institute of Social Development (NISD), with Ms. Sandya Sirikumara serving as the Conference Chair and Mr. Janaka Bandara serving as the Conference Secretary.

The conference was honoured by the presence of Hon. Dr. Upali Pannilage, Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included Mr. Pradeep Saputhantri, Secretary to the Prime Minister and Mr. Sampath Manthrinayake, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment and Chairperson of the Governing Council of NISD.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Professor Dai Haijing, Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, providing an important international perspective on contemporary challenges and responses in Social Work.

ICOSW 2026 featured 12 technical sessions, comprising 4 online and 8 onsite sessions, along with 2 poster presentation panels. A total of 107 research abstracts were presented, reflecting the growing engagement of researchers and practitioners in advancing Social Work knowledge and practice.

The concluding session and final remarks featured Prof. Danapala Wijesinghe, Dean, Faculty of Criminal Justice, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University; Senior Professor Premakumara de Silva, Director General, NISD; and Senior Professor Wasantha Subasinghe, Vice-Chancellor (Acting), Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine.

The conference provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking, research dissemination, and dialogue on Social Work responses to inequality and social change. It also strengthened international and national collaboration among academics, practitioners, researchers, students, and institutions committed to advancing the Social Work profession.

ICOSW 2026 was a celebration of knowledge, collaboration, diversity, and our collective commitment to co-building hope and harmony through Social Work.