By Marianne Colvin – Associate Dean of Research & Academic Effectiveness and Associate Professor, Director, Child Welfare Institute – Phyllis & Harvey Sandler School of Social Work, FAU College of Social Work & Criminal Justice
I was so grateful to join the Summit as a delegate of the International Consortium of Social Development (ICSD). It was inspiring to be with colleagues from around the world and I returned home energized and humbled by how much there is to learn through global collaboration. Three takeaways stand out.
First, a central theme across the solution sessions emphasised that social development is not only a matter of global commitment, but of local systems working effectively together. This mirrors the successes and challenges I see in my own research examining cross-sector, multiprofessional coordination in child welfare and the need for integrated supports that reflect the lived realities of families most affected.
Second, I was encouraged by the recognition of social workers as essential connectors in this pursuit. Their practice- and research-based insights bridge policy intentions with real-world implementation, ensuring that public commitments reach – and work for – the people they are meant to serve.
Finally, perhaps most inspiring was seeing how the often only vocalized priority of collaboration was fully actioned among our own partner organisations in Doha. The joint solution sessions that were held demonstrated an unprecedented level of coordination among leading organizations in our field and our strength lies in working together across sectors, disciplines, and borders. I look forward to carrying this momentum into the work ahead!