About China and Global Development Network


The China and Global Development Network (CGDN) is one of the centres in the Department of Applied Social Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. CGDN (previously China Research and Development Network) was established in 2005 in light of the rapid social transformations of Mainland China in the post-reform era, to meet the urgent need for developing indigenous social work theories and practice models in response to the growing demand for professional social service. The Network was renamed CGDN in June 2021 to facilitate international partnership in social work and global social development, in view of the opportunities and challenges presented by the new geopolitical context.

The objective of CGDN is to become a leading academic centre for social development, social policy, and social work research and practice in Mainland China and the world. CGDN has been striving to provide outstanding capacity building programmes and engage in rigorous research with the Mainland China social work community. We have also extended our network to other countries along the New Silk Road to promote regional and international partnership in social work education, practice and research. To date, CGDN has facilitated: in Mainland China, the establishment of the Peking University-The Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Centre and the Yunnan University-The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Design and Social Development Centre; globally, the collaboration with universities and social welfare agencies in Israel, Kazakhstan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Latest News


China and Global Development Network Hosts Roundtable Discussion On Advancing Social Work And Social Development Along The New Silk Road

The China and Global Development Network,
Department of Applied Social Sciences at
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, hosted
a roundtable discussion on 30 May 2023.

The participants explored the contexts and
current status of social work, social development
education, and social work practice in countries
along the New Silk Road. The event brought
together academics, practitioners and
organisations from various Silk Road countries,
including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Laos, Malaysia,
Thailand and Vietnam.

“Solidarity Economy Symposium - Ecological Agriculture and Cooperation” Successfully Held In Zhoushan, Henan

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s China and
Global Development Network of the Department of
Applied Social Sciences organized the "Solidarity
Economy Symposium - Ecological Agriculture and
Cooperation" together with the “The People's Food
Sovereignty Forum”. The event took place from
May 20th to 21st in Zhoushan, Henan.

Conference of the ASEAN-Social Work Education and Social Development 2023

Make a difference-Social Work without barriers:
In response to sustainable development and public
emergency

Now for registration and paper submission!

Date: 1-2 August, 2023
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Medium: English & Vietnamese (SI service)

Keynote Speakers:
- Prof. Lena DOMINELLI
- Prof. Mona KHOURY
- Prof. Eric CHUI

Collaboration between The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Thammasat University

11th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Awards Ceremony and Social Work-Stations Building and Social Work High-quality Development Symposium was successfully held

Writing Workshop for the Social Work Educational Action Research in Zhoushan Village