The recent economic and financial crisis has affected many societies around the globe-not only financially and economically but also in their social cohesion. It has unsettled individuals-many of whom not only lost their job and economic basis but they were affected in their personal identity and human dignity. Even in the most prosperous western societies which seem to have overcome the economic crisis, the social gap between the rich and the poor has increased considerably. Poverty, migration, and social exclusion have become a global issue. In this situation, what can be the role of a career guidance profession which is socially responsible and culturally sensitive? In addition to their ethical responsibility towards their clients, a successful guidance process, and satisfactory outcomes guidance practitioners also have a societal responsibility for their professional action. Guidance and counselling are always embedded in a social, economic, and political context and contribute to the achievement of societal and economic goals such as social equity and inclusion, increase of educational attainment and employability, but also in relation to securing manpower supply, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth. What future challenges arise for a guidance profession that is committed to the goals of social justice, social inclusion, efficient labour markets, prosperity and
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