Guest Lecture on Sustainable Development Goals

The students of MA Applied Sociology along with some of their faculty members attended a guest lecture on the role of social workers in realising Sustainable Development Goals 2030. This lecture was organized by the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Christ (Deemed to be University) on January 9, 2018, in Room 802, Auditorium Block, between 12 noon and 1.30 pm.

Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria delivered the lecture. He is from the Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). His lecture on Sustainable Development Goals was an attempt to understand the human needs and concerns which can be achieved through social work. Sustainable Development Goals take into account the role of social workers in implementing the policies undertaken and hence, certain social work values like human dignity, inclusiveness, equality and non-discrimination, empowerment and so on are highlighted in their agenda document.

According to Dr. Jayasooria Sustainable Development Goals adopt an approach through which human rights can be achieved through ensuring implementation of policies. Also, he sheds lights on the social work scenario in the Malaysian context. In Malaysia social work is performed on an individual and narrow level. Social work tends to avoid the human rights framework and is monitored by a special branch.

Dr. Jayasooria concluded the discussion by talking about the opportunities in the realm of social work and the challenges for social workers in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and how those challenges can be faced.

Reported by: Shwetashri (2nd Year, MASOC)