In celebration of World Social Work Day 2025, the Social Welfare Studies Program (IKS) at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University (UIN Sunan Kalijaga) organized a series of events under the theme “Weaving Intergenerational Harmony: The Key to Future Wellbeing.”

The commemoration was a collaborative effort between the Social Welfare Studies Program and the Laboratory for Professional Social Work Development (LP3S), the IKS Student Association (HMPS), the Alumni Association for Social Welfare (AKSES), and the Indonesian Association of Professional Social Workers (IPSPI) of Yogyakarta.

The event series kicked off with a Social Work Campaign held at Yogyakarta’s iconic Zero Kilometer Point on Saturday afternoon, March 15, 2025. The campaign aimed to raise public awareness of the vital role of social workers in fostering sustainable social wellbeing. Activities included on-the-ground outreach, public engagement in open spaces, and a digital campaign across various social media platforms.

The main event, the World Social Work Day 2025 Talkshow, was held on March 18, 2025, at UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Moderated by Alcyvva Anindita, a 2021 cohort student of the IKS program, the talk show featured speakers from diverse backgrounds: Kristina Ririn Kristanti, S.ST., a medical social worker and IPSPI DIY board member; Arroisy Ramadhan, S.Sos., an AKSES alumnus and board member of the People’s Labor Union; and Andayani, MSW, a faculty member in the Social Welfare Studies Program and a licensed social worker.

The discussion centered on the importance of intergenerational harmony in social work practice and the pivotal role of social workers in shaping a more just and equitable future. The event concluded with a prayer led by Dr. H. Zainudin, Head of the Dialogue Center at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, followed by a communal iftar (breaking of the fast), symbolizing the spirit of intergenerational unity embodied in this year’s theme.

The event was attended by key figures including the Dean of the Faculty of Da’wa and Communication at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Dr. Arif Maftuhin; Head and Secretary of the Master’s Program in Social Welfare, Dr. M. Ulil Absor and Dr. Aryan Torrido; Irwan Fauzi, MA, Head of IPSPI DIY; Husein Maulana, Chair of AKSES; invited guests; and over 100 Social Welfare Studies students who contributed to the lively atmosphere of the talk show.

Faris Mumtaz, a 2023 cohort student and Chair of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that World Social Work Day is more than an annual tradition—it is a moment of togetherness and synergy that strengthens the presence of social workers. “This year’s theme highlights intergenerational harmony. We brought it to life through a campaign spotlighting the relevance of social workers and a talk show that ended with a communal iftar. It stands as real proof that social work generations can continue collaborating to drive meaningful social change,” he said.

Muhammad Izzul Haq, Ph.D., Head of the Social Welfare Studies Program, described the event as a significant moment for students, practitioners, and the wider public to recognize and appreciate the contributions of social work in promoting social justice. “Through this event, we hope to inspire more people to actively and collaboratively participate in building a more inclusive and prosperous society,” he remarked.