Tajikistan Hosts International Forum on Social Work and Social Services

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, 30 July 2026 — Today an International Forum on Social Work and Social Services in Tajikistan started in Dushanbe, bringing senior government officials, social work leaders, academics and development partners from eight countries together in Dushanbe in an effort to strengthen the social service workforce and advance regional cooperation to better protect vulnerable children, support families and promote inclusive social services.  

The two-day International Forum, "Social Work in Tajikistan and Its Development during the Period of Independence," is organized by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, through the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population, with the support of UNICEF.  

“Tajikistan has made important progress in strengthening its social protection system through strategic reforms and investment in the modernization of the social protection system. As we continue these reforms, our focus remains on building a skilled workforce and strengthening collaboration across health, social protection and other sectors to ensure that children, families and vulnerable people receive timely and integrated support,”  Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population Jamoliddin Abdullozoda said as he opened the forum. 

Ms. Eri Dwivedi, UNICEF Representative in Tajikistan a.i., also highlighted the importance of social work in building stronger support system for vulnerable population.  

"A strong social and child protection system is only as strong as the people who deliver it. Social workers are at the heart of efforts to prevent violence, support families, protect children's rights, and ensure that the most vulnerable can access the services they need. Strengthening the social service workforce is therefore not simply an investment in one profession—it is an investment in more effective public systems, stronger communities and better outcomes for every child," said Ms. Eri Dwivedi, UNICEF Representative in Tajikistan a.i.  

The Forum highlights the importance of investing in a strong, competent and well-supported social service workforce as a cornerstone of effective social protection systems. Well-trained social workers help prevent family separation, respond to violence against children, support children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, strengthen community resilience, and ensure that people can access the services and benefits they need. Investing in the profession not only improves individual lives but also contributes to stronger public institutions, more efficient use of public resources and more inclusive societies.  

Across two days, participants will engage in six thematic panel discussions exploring shared regional priorities and practical solutions to strengthen social work and social services, including strengthening regional cooperation, integrated case management, innovation and digitalization in social services, professional education for social workers and others.  

Senior government officials, United Nations agencies, development partners, CSOs, academic institutions and stakeholders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Austria, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Japan took part in the forum.  

The Forum will conclude with the adoption of a Forum Declaration, setting out shared priorities and follow-up actions for strengthening social work and social services in Tajikistan and across the region. A practical masterclass on case management techniques and the role of social workers in advancing child rights protection will be held for social workers following the closing session.  

The Forum reflects the long-standing partnership between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and UNICEF to strengthen social protection and child protection systems and build a professional, sustainable social service workforce capable of supporting every child and every family in need.  

For further information, please contact the Press Service of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan:
Tel.: +992 (44) 600 60 02