On December 12 and 13, 2024, the Panhellenic Conference titled “Social Work and Contemporary Challenges. Inter-Methodological Approaches and Inter-Methodality” took place in Heraklion, Crete. The event was co-organized by the Regional Section of the Association of Social Workers of Greece, the Department of Social Work at HMU (Hellenic Mediterranean University), and the Region of Crete. The conference gathered approximately 400 participants and featured more than 50 speakers and presenters from various scientific fields, including Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Legal Studies, and Economics. The program included keynote speeches, round tables, and oral presentations, fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue on pressing social issues.
During the conference, Assistant Professor Eleni Koutsouraki, representing the Laboratory of Applied Social Research and Social Work at the Department of Social Work, HMU, introduced the PIPE Program—”Program for the Integration of Migrants at Risk of Social Exclusion.” As one of the five partners of the initiative, HMU plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by migrant populations in Greece. Professor Koutsouraki’s presentation highlighted the program’s objectives, core actions, and work packages designed to facilitate the integration of vulnerable migrant and refugee communities.
The PIPE Program is dedicated to supporting migrants at risk of social exclusion by implementing targeted social interventions, fostering community engagement, and promoting policies that enhance their social and economic integration. The presentation at the conference underscored the significance of interdisciplinary and inter-methodological approaches in tackling contemporary social work challenges, emphasizing collaboration between academic institutions, policymakers, and social practitioners.
The success of the Panhellenic Conference reaffirmed the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships in addressing complex social issues and provided an excellent platform for knowledge exchange among professionals committed to social justice and inclusion. The participation of the PIPE Program in this significant event marks an important step towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for migrants and refugees in Greece.
