Social services are a range of public services provided by state and non-state actors that aim to build stronger economies, promote equality and create effective organisations. Their range could differ from country to country within the SADC community. This year’s conference is particularly interested in exploring the social services practised in different Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and how these social services are intrinsically linked to social protection. It is on this basis that the theme of the conference is Social protection and social services in the SADC region: Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030.