The PG Department of Social Work, GEMS Arts and Science College (Autonomous), is organizing HUMANTA 26, an International Conference on the theme “Transforming Social Work: Addressing Emerging Needs, Scope, and Challenges”, on 11th February 2026 at the Prem Nazir Audio-Visual Theatre and Research Centre.

The conference deliberations focus on key sub-themes such as promoting mental wellbeing and the role of social workers, social work with vulnerable populations, interdisciplinary collaboration, migration, urbanization and community transformation, technology and digital innovations in practice, the future of social work education, family and child welfare, gender-responsive social work, green social work and environmental sustainability, as well as crisis intervention and disaster response.

The conference begins with the inaugural session led by Dr. B. G. Unni, Director of Academics and Research, GEMS Arts and Science College, who formally inaugurates the program and emphasizes the relevance of transforming social work education and practice in today’s rapidly changing world.

The program features eminent international and national guest speakers addressing contemporary issues shaping the future of the profession. Dr. U. L. Muhammed Ashker, Post Doctoral Researcher at the University of Malaya, Malaysia, and Senior Lecturer at the National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka, delivers a session on “Social Work in Global Perspective: Challenges, Innovation, and Future Directions,” providing insights into the profession’s global developments and emerging responsibilities. Prof. Imrul Kabir, from the Department of Social Work, Jamalpur Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, presents on “Social Work in the Era of Climate Change: Interventions for Sustainable Adaptation,” focusing on the role of social work in climate resilience and sustainable community interventions. The national guest speaker, Dr. Reshma Bharadwaj, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, speaks on “Emerging Trends Shaping Contemporary Social Work Practice,” highlighting new directions, challenges, and opportunities within the discipline.

HUMANTA-26 hosts paper presentation sessions that encourage scholarly contribution and research dissemination. These presentations are reviewed and guided by an expert panel consisting of Dr. Shiju Elias, Principal of Alphonsa College, Thiruvambady; Dr. Safeer Atheekkadan, Principal of MSTM Arts and Science College, Perinthalmanna and President of KAPS Malappuram; Dr. Vysakh C. M., Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, RC Payyannur; and Dr. Mohammed Shafi K., Head of the Department, PG Department of Social Work, SNDP YSS College, Perinthalmanna.

Overall, HUMANTA 26 stands as a significant forum for academic dialogue, professional networking, and collaborative learning. The conference reflects the commitment of the PG Department of Social Work, GEMS Arts and Science College, to promoting socially relevant research, innovative interventions, and transformative professional engagement in the field of social work.