In 1974, the United Nations and the Federal Government of Austria agreed to establish the European Centre for Social Welfare Training and Research that later became the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research in Vienna. In 2024, the European Centre is therefore celebrating its 50th anniversary with some events to underline the ongoing need for sound social welfare systems based on sound social policy research. During times in which social cohesion is needed more than ever, this anniversary will serve to reflect upon the future of social welfare policy and research.
The European Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary to commemorate its long-lasting partnership with various ministries in the countries of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), with research partners and commissioning agencies as well as with NGOs and social partners across the UNECE Region. These partnerships have been underpinned by the bridge building function of the European Centre between research and policy making, between the excluded and the included, between stakeholders in the welfare mix, and between the EU and potential EU accession countries (Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership).
Altogether, we celebrate 50 years of successful activities – research, policy consultancy, conferences, workshops and trainings – that have contributed to build the evidence base for the improvement of social welfare policy, in particular in the areas of employment and labour mobility, health and care, as well as social protection and inclusion.
The Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK) hosted a ceremonial act on 25 September 2024. On 26 and 27 September, an international conference followed at the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), featuring prominent figures from both science and politics (including Ministers Rauch and Polaschek, as well as government members from Moldova, Armenia, and Ukraine). The forward-looking theme of the conference was “The Future of Welfare Policy and Social Research”.
Apart from our anniversary celebrations in September, we published a series of articles and papers synthesizing developments and future expectations in the different areas of expertise of the European Centre:
Check out our Media corner for latest press releases about the 50th anniversary.
Read the summary "Spotlights from the 50 years events of the Eurpean Centre" here.
If you are interested in more details, please do not hesitate to contact us at 50years@euro.centre.org.
