The ICSD Africa Branch hosted its Third Branch Colloquium in Nairobi, Kenya, from 24–25 June 2026. Held as a pre-conference event to the Joint Social Work and Social Development Conference, the gathering brought together scholars from across disciplines under the theme “African Solutions to the Doha Declaration.”
The 1.5-day programme explored how African knowledge, values and experience can inform efforts to advance decent work, eradicate poverty and promote social cohesion. Presentations and breakaway discussions also created opportunities for new research, teaching and institutional collaborations.
A key highlight was Professor Wassie Kebede’s keynote address, Grounding the Implementation of the Doha Declaration on Social Development in Ubuntu Philosophy, Principles and Practices. He highlighted how the Ubuntu values of solidarity, dignity, compassion and collective responsibility offer a distinctly African framework for advancing the Declaration’s social development priorities.
The colloquium also featured an engagement led by Professors Alice Butterfield and Philip Hong on increasing the publication of African scholarship in the ICSD’s Social Development Issues. A new mentorship programme, led by Professors Butterfield and Kebede, will support emerging scholars to strengthen their work and improve their prospects of publication in the journal.
The Africa Branch extends its gratitude to Dr Peter Gutwa Oino and colleagues at Kisii University for hosting the colloquium. Following the event, Professors Kebede and Butterfield visited the university to explore opportunities to strengthen postgraduate social work and social development programmes. Kisii University has also expressed interest in becoming an institutional member of ICSD.
“The colloquium was wonderful opportunity to strengthen the ICSD’s connections in Eastern Africa and I believe that it has laid the groundwork for valuable future partnerships and collaboration,” Prof Lauren Graham, Africa Branch Chair explained.