Swiss association of social workers commits to new focus on People’s Charter

The Swiss association of social workers ‘Avenir Social’ has committed to a focus on the People’s Charter.

The People’s Charter is a ‘living document’ arising from a United Nations and IFSW 2022 Global Summit that is still being amended and adapted to meet the needs of a changing society.

The People’s Charter was co-led by IFSW and the United Nations Institute for Research in Social Development (UNRiSD) and comprised multiple partners representing 100s of millions of people.

The Charter summarises the key principles of the summit, including ways professionals can globally contribute to a world that is ecologically sustainable and socially just, comprising the five key values of Buen Vivir (love and care for people and the planet, responsibilities and holistic rights); respect, dignity, harmony and social justice; diversity, belonging, reciprocity and equity; Ubuntu (togetherness, accountability and community); and solidarity, equality, inclusion and collaboration.

The meeting with AvenirSocial included members of its International Committee along with IFSW Secretary-General, Rory Truell who was invited as he was to co-facilitator and co-writer of the People’s Charter.

“The People’s Charter reflects all the values of social work and fits well with our current two-year focus on ‘participation’. As an organisation that values working with internationally agreed processes for development, we are really interested in the Charter and we are sure our members will find the Charter not only relevant but also a big inspiration for their practice,” Nadia Bisang Co-Secretary General of AvenirSocial said.

Priska Fleischin, the IFSW Global UN Commissioner and member of AvenirSocial, said it was ‘wonderful’ to see the philosophies of the Charter being put into action around the world.

“Last year, the IFSW UN Commission adopted the People’s Charter as a core document to drive forward the Commission’s development, and as a Swiss social worker, it is great to see my Association exploring the Charter as a new lens to facilitate change.”