On April 7-8, 2025, the European Social Network (ESN) Members’ Forum 2025 will take place in Warsaw at the Copernicus Conference Center. This event presents a unique opportunity for leaders in the social services sector from across Europe to come together, exchange experiences, and discuss the future of this crucial field. With the participation of international experts, institutions, and organizations, the Forum will become one of the most significant events dedicated to the development of European social services.
The European Social Network (ESN) brings together institutions and organizations from across Europe and serves as an important advisory body to the European Commission,. Held every four years, the ESN Members’ Forum is a key platform for discussions on the directions of social policy within the European Union. The recommendations developed during the event will serve as a foundation for shaping new social policy frameworks.
This time, the ESN Members’ Forum will be held in Warsaw (April 7-8, 2025), gathering approximately 200 participants from 33 countries—including experts and representatives of organizations engaged in social policy and welfare, both from Europe and various regions of Poland. The exchange of experiences and achievements in the field of social services will help define the future direction of this sector.
„We are meeting in Warsaw at the beginning of a new phase in our development. We will present a new partnership framework with the European Commission and work on a strategy for the next five years. That is why this Forum will play a crucial role in both of these processes. Social services will continue to adopt a person-centered approach—founded on dignity, independence, innovation, and excellence—while also considering the diversity and complexity of people’s needs, as well as challenges related to management, financing, and service provision,”
— said Christian Fillet, Chair of ESN.
„Social services at the national, regional, and local levels must address the growing needs of aging societies, which require new forms of long-term care. We must find solutions that not only consider the health status of older people but also respect their dignity and autonomy. At the same time, Europe as a whole is facing a shortage of social service workers and a lack of stable financing. We need joint solutions to meet these challenges,”
— emphasized Adam Struzik, Marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.
Event Organization
The Forum is organized by the Mazovian Centre for Social Policy (a public institution of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship Government), the City of Warsaw, and the Korczak University. The event is held under the patronage of the Polish Ministry, the Polish Presidency of the European Union in 2025, and the Marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.
What’s on the Agenda?
The event will feature plenary sessions, with the most important segment being the ESN Members’ Forum meeting itself.
„The ESN Members’ Forum 2025 is a key event in the preparation of the ESN Strategy for 2026–2030. By analyzing the past five years, members will help define strategic priorities for the future,”
— said Alfonso Lara Montero, CEO of ESN.
The discussions will showcase key initiatives and projects, as well as address the latest trends in the management, financing, and provision of social services. A 3.5-hour workshop will be held for social service leaders, focusing on new approaches to care, funding, workforce development, and quality assurance.
A particular emphasis will be placed on long-term care (LTC), including the decentralization of services to local communities. The workshops will be available for 70 registered participants (30 from Poland and 40 from 33 other countries). Among the speakers will be experts from WHO and other international organizations.
Online Streaming and Translations
The Forum sessions will be streamed online with translation into three languages: Polish, English, and Polish Sign Language (PJM). This will enable all interested participants to join the event remotely. Additionally, a recorded audio-video summary of the plenary sessions will be made available.
Streaming link:
Detailed program
