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International Consultative Board (ICB)

The ICSW Supervisory and Advisory Board approved the proposal of the ICSW Management Committee to establish a new consultative structure within ICSW — the International Consultative Board (ICB).

This initiative holds significant potential to introduce greater flexibility and innovation to our organization. In today’s complex global environment, the ICB is envisioned as a platform to provide specialized insights that strengthen ICSW’s policy making and advocacy, foster the exploration and implementation of novel strategies to address emerging challenges, and ultimately extend ICSW’s influence and impact.

1. Background and Overview

Social development and social welfare are dynamic, interconnected domains that address human well-being, social cohesion, inclusion, and justice in an evolving global landscape. Socioeconomic instability, climate crises, technological disruptions, and eroding trust in governance demand coordinated, innovative, and inclusive solutions to support social development practitioners and social workers.

The International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) champions policies and strategies rooted in inclusive growth, universal social protection, and human empowerment. To enhance its capacity to meet these challenges, ICSW has established the International Consultative Board (ICB). This advisory body supports ICSW’s mission by providing forward-looking, evidence-based guidance, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration across sectors and regions to advance the 2024–2028 ICSW Global Program.

The ICB’s role is particularly significant in the lead-up to the Second World Social Summit in Doha (November 2025), ICSW’s contributions to Theme 4 of the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development, and preparations for the 2026 joint World Conference on Social Development and Social Work in Nairobi, Kenya.

2. Why This New Body is Needed

The ICB addresses a critical need for:

  • Strategic Expertise: In a complex global environment, the ICB provides specialized insights to strengthen ICSW’s policymaking and advocacy.
  • Global Reach: By engaging experts from diverse regions and fields, the ICB extends ICSW’s influence and impact.
  • Innovative Approaches: The ICB fosters exploration and implementation of novel strategies to address emerging challenges.

3. Purpose and Objectives

The ICSW International Consultative Board aims to:

  • Provide actionable, forward-looking recommendations to ICSW leadership on global social welfare and development policies.
  • Strengthen ICSW’s ability to design and implement adaptive strategies for emerging global challenges.
  • Ensure alignment of the ICSW Global Program of Work (2024–2028) with international priorities, promoting its goals in global policy and advocacy spaces.
  • Enhance the quality and impact of ICSW’s international seminars, conferences, and statements.

4. Composition

The ICB comprises international experts in social policy, social welfare, and related fields, selected for their expertise, experience, and commitment to ICSW’s mission. They are invited in their personal capacity. Ex officio members include the ICSW President and Executive Director.

5. Key Functions and Responsibilities

The ICB will:

  • Develop evidence-based recommendations addressing global social welfare challenges and supporting ICSW’s strategic objectives.
  • Leverage cutting-edge research to inform ICSW’s policy documents, position papers, and advocacy materials.
  • Shape the content and focus of ICSW’s international events to ensure relevance to global priorities.
  • Provide expert input for policy statements submitted to UN bodies, including ECOSOC and other commissions.
  • Act as ambassadors for ICSW’s mission, amplifying key messages within professional networks and global forums.

6. Ensuring Complementarity with Existing ICSW Bodies

To avoid overlap and enhance synergy, the ICB will:

  • Operate within a clear advisory framework respecting the decision-making authority of the ICSW Management Committee and ICSW Supervisory and Advisory Board (SAB).
  • Complement the work of existing bodies by offering specialized insights and resources.
  • Shape the content and focus of ICSW’s international events to ensure relevance to global priorities.

7. Policy Recommendations and Follow-Up

Policy recommendations from the ICB will:

  • Be reviewed by the ICSW Management Committee and Board for integration into strategic initiatives.
  • Form the basis for ICSW’s advocacy efforts at international forums, including the UN.
  • Include mechanisms to track implementation and impact, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.

8. Working Methods

  • Conduct virtual meetings quarterly, with additional sessions as needed.
  • Review ICSW draft documents and provide timely input to ensure high-quality outputs.
  • Foster collaboration and exchange among members to enrich ICSW’s work.

9. Reporting and Accountability

The ICB will submit its recommendations and activity updates to the ICSW President and Management Committee. Summaries of its work will be included in ICSW’s annual reports to ensure transparency and visibility.

10. Term of Membership

Board members will serve two-year terms, renewable based on their contributions and ICSW’s evolving needs. This approach ensures continuity while incorporating new perspectives.

The ICSW International Consultative Board represents a strategic initiative to address the complexities of global social development. By leveraging members’ expertise and fostering collaboration, the ICB will strengthen ICSW’s capacity to advance its mission, ensuring a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Members of the ICB

  1. Dr. Enrique Delamonica (Argentina)
  2. Prof. Lynne Healy (USA)
  3. Dr. Odile Frank (France)
  4. Dr. Isabel Ortiz (Spain)
  5. Prof. Michael Samson (South Africa)
  6. Prof. P.K. Shajahan (India)
  7. Dr Patience Stephens (Ghana)
  8. Dr. Sergei Zelenev (Ex Officio)
  9. Prof. Antonio Lopez Pelaez (Ex Officio)