Social work is a profession that aims to enhance the well-being of individuals, groups, and

communities, especially those who are marginalized, oppressed, or vulnerable. Social workers
promote social justice, human rights, and social change through various interventions, such as
advocacy, counseling, policy analysis, community development, and research. But how can social
work contribute to the global agenda of sustainable development goals (SDGs)?

1SDGs and social work

The SDGs are a set of 17 goals and 169 targets that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015
to address the most pressing challenges facing humanity and the planet by 2030. The SDGs
cover a wide range of issues, such as poverty, health, education, gender equality, climate
change, peace, and justice. Social work is closely aligned with the values and principles of the
SDGs, as both share a common vision of a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.
Social work can contribute to the SDGs by applying its knowledge, skills, and values to various
levels of practice, from micro to macro.

2 Micro-level practice

At the micro level, social work can contribute to the SDGs by providing direct services to
individuals and families who are affected by the social, economic, and environmental challenges
that the SDGs aim to address. For example, social workers can help people access basic services,
such as health care, education, and social protection, that are essential for achieving the goals of
no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, and quality education. Social workers can
also support people in coping with the impacts of climate change, such as disasters,
displacement, and health risks, that threaten the goals of clean water and sanitation, affordable
and clean energy, and climate action. Moreover, social workers can empower people to exercise
their rights and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives, which are key for
achieving the goals of gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peace, justice, and strong
institutions.

3Mezzo-level practice

At the mezzo level, social work can contribute to the SDGs by engaging in community
development and organizing activities that mobilize collective action and resources for social
change. For example, social workers can facilitate community-based initiatives that address the
root causes of poverty, hunger, and ill-health, such as land reform, food security, and health
promotion, that are relevant for the goals of no poverty, zero hunger, and good health and well-
being.
Social workers can also collaborate with community groups and organizations to advocate for
environmental justice and sustainability, such as waste management, renewable energy, and
biodiversity conservation, that are related to the goals of clean water and sanitation, affordable
and clean energy, and life on land. Furthermore, social workers can support community
empowerment and participation in governance and accountability mechanisms that promote
the goals of gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.

4Macro-level practice

At the macro level, social work can contribute to the SDGs by influencing social policy and social
development agendas that shape the structures and systems that affect human and planetary
well-being. For example, social workers can participate in policy analysis and formulation that
address the structural determinants of poverty, health, education, and gender equality, such as
taxation, social protection, health systems, and education systems, that are crucial for the goals
of no poverty, good health and well-being, quality education, and gender equality. Social
workers can also engage in policy advocacy and lobbying that challenge the policies and
practices that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change, such as fossil fuel
subsidies, deforestation, and emissions trading, that are detrimental to the goals of clean water
and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, and climate action. Additionally, social workers can
contribute to policy implementation and evaluation that ensure the effectiveness and
accountability of the SDGs, such as monitoring and reporting, capacity building, and stakeholder
engagement, that are essential for the goals of reduced inequalities and peace, justice, and
strong institutions.

5Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous
sections. What else would you like to add?