Speaking at the International Social Work Conference in Dushanbe, Hosseini said sustainable empowerment of vulnerable groups, development of social work services, community-based rehabilitation (CBR), and social investment should form the core of bilateral collaboration.
The two-day conference, held on July 30–31, brings together representatives from Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Japan under the theme “Strengthening Social Work in the Region: Shared Priorities, Common Challenges, and Regional Solutions.”
Addressing a scientific panel on strengthening social work in Tajikistan and other countries, Hosseini said modern social protection systems are no longer viewed merely as mechanisms for poverty alleviation, but as essential pillars of human development, social justice, social cohesion, and community resilience.
He noted that countries with integrated social protection networks, professional social work services, rehabilitation programs, community-based interventions, and responsive support systems are better equipped to address poverty, inequality, disability, violence, and other social challenges while maintaining social stability and achieving sustainable development.
Hosseini identified sustainable empowerment of vulnerable groups, rehabilitation and social inclusion, development of skilled human resources, and expansion of community-based rehabilitation as key areas of mutual interest between Iran and Tajikistan.
He emphasized that empowerment should extend beyond short-term financial assistance to encompass economic, educational, social, psychological, and legal dimensions of individuals’ lives.
Referring to the Welfare Organization’s experience, Hosseini highlighted initiatives such as empowerment clubs, youth talent identification programs, microfinance funds, and women’s self-help groups as successful models for promoting economic independence and sustainable employment among vulnerable populations.
He also stressed the critical role of social workers in rehabilitation, noting that their responsibilities include assessing individual needs, designing rehabilitation pathways, coordinating interagency services, monitoring progress, and facilitating social reintegration.
Human Resource Development and Shared Challenges
Hosseini described the development of qualified human resources as another priority for bilateral cooperation, saying the quality of social services depends largely on professional training, competency standards, and continuous capacity building.
He also pointed to community-based rehabilitation (CBR) as one of the strongest common areas between the two countries, offering significant opportunities for knowledge exchange and joint initiatives in the field of disability services.
Among the major challenges facing welfare systems, Hosseini cited shortages of trained professionals, occupational burnout, weak referral systems, insufficient intersectoral cooperation, unequal access to social services in deprived areas, and the exclusion of highly vulnerable groups.
He called for integrated social services, stronger referral mechanisms, improved case management, and greater coordination among public institutions to enhance the effectiveness of welfare systems.
Expanding Regional Cooperation
The Welfare Organization chief identified joint training programs, knowledge transfer, strengthening the professional status of social workers, expanding specialized services for vulnerable groups, promoting social diplomacy, and adopting participatory governance as the main pillars of future cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan.
Introducing the Welfare Organization’s “Salaam” initiative, Hosseini said the program is based on community-driven development using local assets, transforming neighborhoods from service recipients into centers for generating social solutions.
He explained that local assets include not only financial and physical resources but also human capital, skills, experience, social trust, cultural and educational capacities, and local institutions. Facilitators play a key role by mobilizing community participation, documenting experiences, and activating local capacities to address social issues.
Hosseini also emphasized the need for evidence-based and measurable joint programs, with clear indicators, robust data systems, and evaluation mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement.
He said cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan should move beyond dialogue toward practical joint projects in professional training, social work standards, referral systems, support for vulnerable groups, and continuous evaluation, creating a successful regional model for social welfare cooperation.
Describing social welfare as an investment rather than a cost, Hosseini said that science, professional ethics, and regional cooperation can help build more resilient and equitable societies.
He concluded by stressing that sustainable solutions to social challenges are impossible without public participation, arguing that governments should act as facilitators while local communities, civil society organizations, and professional institutions serve as active partners in participatory social governance.
According to Hosseini, the shared commitment of Iran and Tajikistan to human dignity, family values, community support, and protection of vulnerable groups provides a strong basis for scientific, educational, executive, and policy cooperation, paving the way for the development of a common regional model for social welfare and social work.
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