Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is with great joy and heartfelt anticipation that I welcome you to the 2026 Joint Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development (SWSD), to be held in the vibrant and beautiful city of Nairobi, Kenya.
As Chair of the Local Organising Committee, I am deeply honoured to extend this invitation to join us under the resonant theme “Harambee for Sustainable Shared Futures.” Harambee, a Swahili term meaning “all pull together”, is more than a word. It is a philosophy and a lived practice in Kenya and across the region. It reflects the very spirit of solidarity, community-building and collective responsibility that lies at the heart of social work and social development.
This conference will bring together social workers, educators, researchers, policymakers and community advocates from every corner of the globe to engage in rich dialogue, critical reflection and shared learning. Nairobi, a city known for its warmth, diversity and dynamism, provides the perfect setting for these global conversations as we reimagine futures grounded in equity, inclusion and sustainability.
Our Local Organising Committee is committed to ensuring your experience in Kenya is not only professionally enriching but also personally memorable. From engaging keynote addresses and insightful panel discussions to vibrant cultural exchanges and community visits, we look forward to creating a truly African welcome, one that celebrates the beauty of connection and the power of collective action.
Karibuni sana, welcome to Nairobi. Let us join hands in Harambee as we shape a better tomorrow for all.
With warmest regards
Charles Mbugua
Chair, Local Organising Committee
SWSD 2026 Nairobi
