To the global community, Africa contributes wisdom as well as resources. At the heart of this wisdom is Ubuntu, a philosophy of reciprocity, justice, and community: I am because we are (not I am because you are or I am because I am). In Kenya, Ubuntu is expressed through harambee, the value of working together, sharing responsibility, and co-building solutions. The 2026 Joint World Conference on Social Work and Social Development (SWSD 2026) in Nairobi under the theme “Harambee for Sustainable Shared Futures” is an opportunity to show how Ubuntu can guide social work globally. The global Ubuntu theme was promoted by IFSW and IASSW in 2021, emphasising interconnectedness, while this conference highlights justice, community, reciprocity, and indigeneity.

Ubuntu and harambee across the conference themes

Reclaiming and reimagining social work practice
Ubuntu reminds us that communities are interconnected and must share responsibility for justice and fairness. Social work should address colonial legacies, global inequities, and strengthen community structures. Harambee encourages collaborative action that reflects indigenous knowledge and collective problem-solving.

Social work education, pedagogy and research
Ubuntu shows that knowledge and learning belong to the community. Social work education should be co-created, decolonised, and inclusive of indigenous philosophies. Harambee promotes joint efforts in teaching, mentorship, and research that respect local and global knowledge systems.

Social work and social welfare across the lifespan
Ubuntu highlights the responsibility of the community toward all members. Social workers should ensure justice and equity for children, youth, and older persons. Harambee guides collective approaches to policy, social protection, and participatory practices that reflect community priorities.

Social work and sustainable development
Ubuntu emphasises that fairness and reciprocity are essential to sustainable societies. Social work should promote inclusive livelihoods, equitable access to resources, and community-led environmental initiatives. Harambee encourages coordinated action for economic, social, and ecological justice.

Clinical social work, health and wellbeing
Ubuntu focuses on justice and fairness in supporting communities’ access to health and social services. Harambee guides collaborative strategies to strengthen systems and structures that ensure equitable outcomes for all.

Social work practice in the face of complex global challenges
Ubuntu recognises that global challenges are experienced collectively and must be addressed through shared responsibility. Social work should advance justice, fairness, and reciprocity in migration, conflict, climate crises, and social emergencies. Harambee promotes coordinated, community-rooted responses to these challenges.

Social movements, political social work and building democratic societies
Ubuntu emphasises the role of communities in shaping just societies. Social work should support democratic participation, citizen empowerment, and equitable governance. Harambee guides collective mobilisation and indigenous approaches to social and political transformation.

Digital social work
Ubuntu highlights that technology should strengthen community participation, fairness, and access to knowledge. Harambee encourages collaborative and inclusive digital practices that reflect reciprocity, justice, and indigenous perspectives.

Ubuntu through harambee

SWSD 2026 is more than presentations and discussions. It is a chance to show the world how African philosophy and values, grounded in justice, community, reciprocity, and indigeneity, can guide social work globally. By applying Ubuntu through harambee, practitioners, educators, and researchers can advance equitable, sustainable, and socially just futures while demonstrating that Africa’s knowledge has a central role in shaping global social development.