Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi Marks Milestone at Second Edition of Social Care Forum with Focus on Future-Ready Policies and Services
The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has successfully hosted the second iteration of the Social Care Forum, held under the banner of “Future Ready Social Care: People, Practice, and Policy.” Over the span of two days, the forum convened a diverse group of policymakers, experts, and organizations from both local and international landscapes, all united in a shared goal: to redefine the future of social care policies and services.
This forum exemplifies Abu Dhabi’s unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue on global social development and enhancing cross-border collaborations. By doing so, it underscores the Emirate’s evolving role as a leader in creating sustainable and inclusive frameworks that elevate the quality of life for individuals and communities alike.
Global Participation and Robust Discussions
The event was an impressive display of intellectual engagement, featuring over 20 dialogue sessions and training workshops with the participation of more than 50 esteemed international speakers, senior leaders, and policymakers. The forum attracted over 1,500 attendees, representing governmental, private, and academic institutions. These sessions not only addressed pressing global challenges but also introduced emerging trends, demonstrating innovative practices that are adaptable to a multitude of social care environments.
Key Highlights and Sessions of the Forum
On its second day, the forum featured a compelling keynote interview with Dr. Sarah Carlick, a distinguished expert in digital safeguarding. Dr. Carlick made a passionate case for involving children and youth in the development of digital protection solutions, advocating for human-centered, innovative methodologies. Her insights emphasized the importance of co-creating solutions that directly impact the lives of the youth.
The session titled “Frontliners Voice” provided a platform for social workers to discuss the challenges they face in the workplace, address societal stigma, and celebrate their achievements. This conversation highlighted the indispensable role social workers play in shaping future social policies. Another significant session, “Artificial Intelligence and Analytics in Abu Dhabi,” focused on utilizing data and AI to enhance the efficacy of social services, thereby bolstering evidence-based policymaking.
In addition to these discussions, several research presentations tackled relevant themes, including mental health promotion within educational institutions and inclusive urban development strategies. Practical workshops such as “Child Protection and Early Risk Detection” and “Behavioral Insights for Better Policies” offered participants hands-on approaches that are crucial for contemporary social care methodologies.
Notable sessions encompassed a range of pertinent topics, including:
- Global Development in Social Care Policies – A discourse addressing the complexities of aging populations and the associated demands for services.
- Trauma-Informed Case Management in Social Care – Understanding the impact of trauma on social service delivery.
- Fostering Child and Family Resiliency in Adversity – Exploring strategies for reinforcing resilience among families facing difficult circumstances.
- Data Integration for Future Policies – Concentrating on the significance of predictive analytics and integrated systems for informed decision-making.
- Elderly Care and Assisted Living – Showcasing best practices aimed at including seniors in community life.
- Recruitment & Retention – Investigating effective strategies for maintaining a skilled workforce within social care sectors.
Conclusions and Future Directions
In his concluding address, His Excellency Engineer Hamad Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the DCD, characterized the forum as a watershed moment in Abu Dhabi’s commitment to shaping the future of social care. He reiterated that the event served as a center for knowledge exchange, laying a strategic roadmap towards quality, sustainable, and inclusive services that align with the Emirate’s broader developmental goals.
The Social Care Forum 2025 closed its doors with a resounding success, recognized for fostering international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. Its multifaceted agenda resulted in actionable insights and strategic recommendations aimed at advancing policies responsive to the shifting needs of society. The outcomes reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s pioneering position in embedding innovation as a fundamental aspect of social care, distinctly positioning the Emirate as a vital global advocate for building inclusive and sustainable communities.
Tags: #AbuDhabi #SocialCare #EconomyNews