Rutgers School of Social Work Co-Hosts Global Symposium on Children and Youth Well-Being

The 2025 International Symposium on Children and Youth Health and Well-being convened in Guangzhou, China on December 13-14, 2025, drawing more than 100 scholars and students from around the world. Hosted by the School of Public Administration at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and co-hosted by the University of Saint Joseph and Rutgers School of Social Work, the event featured 75 research presentations exploring critical issues affecting children and youth.

As a co-host, Rutgers collaborated in shaping the symposium’s theme, agenda, and objectives, organizing keynote speakers, panels, and workshops, and fostering networking opportunities to advance global dialogue. Dean & Distinguished Professor George Leibowitz delivered a keynote address on human-centered artificial intelligence approaches to address adolescent substance use, mental health, and well-being. Faculty members Laura Cuesta, Rebecca Davis, Chien-Chung Huang, Katherine Marcal, Cassandra Simmel, and Abigail Williams-Bulter also presented their research.

Reflecting on the event’s impact, Associate Dean for Faculty Development & Professor Chien-Chung Huang said, “The symposium united a diverse global network of scholars to exchange groundbreaking research and cultivate meaningful partnerships. By co-hosting this influential event, the Rutgers University School of Social Work proudly advanced critical dialogues and championed actionable strategies aimed at improving the well-being of children and youth worldwide.”