Development has been a focus of humankind since ancient times. It involves creating social conditions that sustainably and equitably foster individual and collective well-being. However, the path to development has undergone various debates and changes across different periods, involving shifts in concepts, theories, and practical approaches. The idea of social development emerged when it was felt that true development could not be achieved solely through economic advancement. Its proponents advocated a holistic and multi-level approach, instead. Social development is a broad concept that involves significant changes in politics, economics, and culture, all aimed at transforming society through deliberate efforts, characterised by increased capacity within the social system, social structure, institutions, services, and policies to effectively utilise resources and generate positive changes in the standard of living.

The world is constantly facing challenges in ensuring peace and stability that enable people to live in harmony. War, conflict, poverty, political instability, human rights violations, forced displacement, climate change etc. call for a united effort if we are to advance the UN’s sustainable development goals. Social workers and social development professionals play a vital role in addressing the many challenges faced by individuals, communities, and societies. It is essential to view ‘development’ as a process as well as an outcome, realizing that achieving such an aim requires engagement with multiple stakeholders to find inclusive pathways, especially for the most marginalized and vulnerable communities. As a concept in social work, social work practices at the micro, meso, and macro levels have a considerable role in social development. As the world moves swiftly towards the post-modern era, innovations in areas such as new approaches to service delivery, technology integration, policy changes and community organising strategies, are necessary to achieve the desired end.

The ICSD 24^th Biennial International Conference aims to provide an opportunity to critically reflect on the multiple ways in which social work and social development professionals have advanced innovative solutions to unite and improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities, locally and globally. The conference will also celebrate ICSD’s golden jubilee; showcasing its commendable contribution to the field of social work and social development across the world.