ASASWEI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
10-12 September 2025

To be held at the University of the Free State

CONFERENCE THEME

Advancing Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice, Peace building, and Sustainable Development through teaching, research and practice.

WHO CAN REGISTER?

1. Academics at Higher Education Institution
2. Practitioners in the field of Social Work and related disciplines
3. Registered Students
4. Accompanying Persons

All fees are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR)

SPECIAL CULTURAL THEME DINNER: R500

Early Bird Registrations CLOSE 30 May 2025
Registrations CLOSE 01 August 2025

Bank Name: Nedbank Limited
Branch Name: Nedbank South Africa Branch Code: 198765
Account Holder: Assaswei
Account Type: Current Account
Account Number: 1301347892
SWIFT CODE: NEDSZAJJ

Reference: Your Name or Invoice Number

NB: Should you need a Tax Invoice or an invitation letter from ASASWEI, kindly email the request with your details to secretary@asaswei.org.za

The ASASWEI International Conference 2025 aims to accommodate all registrants, but we understand that extenuating circumstances may arise. To maintain fairness and consistency, the following cancellation and refund policy will apply:

1. Cancellation Process
   Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to: secretary@asaswei.org.za
2. Refunds Based on Cancellation Timing
   - More than 60 days before the event: Registrations cancelled at this time are eligible for an 80% refund of the registration fees.
   - Between 30 and 60 days before the event: Registrations cancelled during this period are eligible for a 50% refund of the registration fees.
   - Less than 30 days before the event: No refunds will be provided for cancellations made within this time frame.
3. Transfer of Registration
   Registration fees may be transferred to another individual. The invoice for the new registration will reflect the new registrant's membership status.
4. Refund Issues for International Transactions
   If the conference organisers are unable to process a refund, particularly for payments made from outside the country, the registration fee may be applied to a future conference.
5. Cancellation by Conference Organizers
   If the conference is cancelled by the organizers due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, government restrictions, or other extraordinary situations beyond our control), all registrants will receive a full refund.

Definition of Unforeseen Circumstances

Unforeseen circumstances refer to extraordinary events or situations that are beyond the control of the conference organizers. This may include, but is not limited to, acts of nature (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, floods), government-imposed travel restrictions, pandemics, or other incidents that would make it impossible or unsafe to proceed with the event.

Advancing Social and Environmental Justice, Peace building, and Sustainable Development through teaching, research and practice.

SYNOPSIS
In a world facing increasing social inequalities, environmental crises, and geopolitical conflicts, the role of social work and related disciplines has never been more vital. As communities grapple with challenges such as climate change, forced displacement, poverty, and human rights violations, social workers, educators, and researchers must actively engage in solutions that promote justice, peace, and sustainability. This international conference provides a platform for critical reflection, knowledge-sharing, and action-oriented discussions on how social work education, research, and practice can drive transformative change in addressing these global issues.

This conference theme recognizes the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. It highlights the importance of integrating green social work perspectives, conflict resolution strategies, and development frameworks into social work education, policy, and field interventions. As the world strives to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), social work must evolve to respond effectively to these global challenges.

Key Focus Areas:
- Socia, economic, and Environmental Justice
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
- Sustainable Development and Social Work
- Teaching and Research, and Practice for Social Change

The conference aims to empower educators, practitioners, and scholars to explore innovative, evidence- based solutions that bridge theory and practice. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and sectors, the event seeks to catalyse global and local actions that promote peace, justice, and sustainability.

Participants will have opportunities to engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and networking forums that will inspire collaborative strategies for social transformation. These gathering challenges all attendees to reflect on their role in shaping a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world through their work in education, advocacy, and direct practice

1. Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises
2. Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
3. Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice
4. Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development
5. Feminist Perspectives and Environmental Justice
6. Main-streaming Digital and Assessment Tools in Social Work Practice
7. International and Cross-Cultural Collaborations in Green Social Work

VIEW or DOWNLOAD the Information Brochure to see all Related Topics

You are responsible for your own travel arrangements.
The best way for international delegates to travel to the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein, South Africa, depends on their country of origin and preferred mode of transport.

International Flights

1. International Flights to South Africa
   International delegates should first fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, which is the largest and most connected international airport in South Africa. Some may also arrive via Cape Town International Airport (CPT), but Johannesburg is the more direct option.
2. Domestic Flights to Bloemfontein
   From Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport), the fastest way to get to Bloemfontein is a domestic flight to Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN). Airlines operating on this route include:
   • Airlink 
   • FlySafair
   The flight takes approximately 45 minutes.

Ground Transportation from Bram Fischer International Airport to UFS

Once in Bloemfontein, delegates can reach the UFS Bloemfontein Campus (about 15 km from the airport) using:

• Pre-arranged university shuttle services (arranged by conference organisers)
• Metered taxis or e-hailing services (inDrive)
• Car rental (available at the airport for those preferring to drive themselves)

Alternative: Road Travel from Johannesburg

If delegates prefer not to take a domestic flight, they can travel by road from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein, which takes approximately 4 hours. Options include:

• Luxury coach services (e.g., Greyhound, Intercape, or Eldo Coaches)
• Private shuttle services (some companies offer direct transfers i.e. Citybug (https://citybug.co.za/)
• Car rental (ideal for those who prefer to drive)
• Travelling to Bloemfontein from
  a) Johannesburg, Use N1 South and offramp at Nelson Mandela Drive to the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.
  b) Cape Town, use N1 North and offramp at Nelson Mandela Drive to the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.

Final Recommendation

For convenience and time efficiency, the best option is:
a. Fly to Johannesburg (JNB).
b. Take a domestic flight to Bloemfontein (BFN).
c. Use a taxi or shuttle to reach the University of the Free State.