Elections 2024: Candidate Auschala Chalayonnavin English

Auschala Chalayonnavin

Dr Auschala graduated with honors from Mahidol University with a PhD in Public Policy and Public Administration. Currently, Associate Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Social Administration of Thammasat University, a top-ranked faculty with a long history of supporting social work and social welfare in Thailand, Dr. Auschala Chalayonnavin is an experienced leader in social work and social development. Previously, Dr Chalayonnavin worked as Associate Dean for Administration and Corporate Communications, as well as Director of the Department of Social Policy, Social Development and Community Development at the Faculty. Under her strong and inclusive leadership, the Faculty has considerably expanded its programs and reach to work with numerous domestic, regional, and global organizations and institutions. Through her vision and strategic outlook, and ability to work well with a diverse range of people from different backgrounds, the Faculty is undergoing a rapid process of internationalization leading to a broader impact in social work and social development for Thammasat University both nationally, within Southeast Asia, and beyond.

IASSW Nomination
A statement of my vision for the IASSW – Assoc. Prof. Dr Auschala Chalayonnavin
The IASSW’s rich and resilient history is inspiring. I am proud to be the leader of a faculty that has
worked closely with IASWW in achieving a significant impact on social development in Thailand and
throughout the region. I also believe that IASSW, in setting the standards in policy, principles, and values
for social work, can ensure even greater inclusivity and integration, so that more voices are heard.
My vision is that, leveraging on its significant success and impact, IASSW grows its innovative approach
towards ensuring a true global reach. I want to ensure that the work of IASSWE reaches everyone.
IASSWE is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and therefore all members, through new and
effective channels of communication, should be encouraged to actively engage and feed ideas into the
processes. The way forward is through listening, and responding flexibly to the needs of all members. I
believe such inclusivity will bring greater impact to our work globally.
The vision of IASSWE for a more equitable world must be reflected in all strategies, policies, action plans
and activities. A Northern influence prevails within IASSW and in the Global Standards for the Education
and Training of the Social Work Profession. I hope, through my contribution, to create a future for
IASSW where more diverse conceptualizations of social work are considered and adopted. There is a
need, through all of IASSW’s work, to truly understand and balance the needs of members from
different regions.
Social work is both misunderstood and undervalued. ISSW needs a clear strategy for the future which
focusses on recognition. We need to promote and communicate the critical importance of social
workers, prioritising individuals and communities in order to advance their rights.
I envisage contributing towards greater coherence, integration, communication and collaboration
between members. This can be achieved through effective consultation, resulting in strengthened
systems. My vision is to work with executive team members to ensure closer collaboration with more
local, national and international non-IASWW members, new and innovative partnerships which will
allow IASSW to further its inclusivity, enrich and diversify its strategies and become an even more
efficient leader in promoting social work and scholarship.
As a social work leader in Southeast Asia, I am ready to represent IASSW with energy and pride, drawing
on Ubuntu, that all-important connection between peoples and their environments. This is where true
social transformation stems, with the active participation of all voices.