International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) – What Is It?

This information, about one of the most significant international organisations that influence the development of social work, makes no scientific claims and is based on publicly available information. The article contains knowledge that is freely accessible in other languages. The author had a single aim – to facilitate the dissemination of this knowledge in Slovakia.

The International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) was founded as early as 1928 and is therefore one of the oldest non-governmental organisations dedicated to supporting social development, social justice, and social prosperity anywhere in the world. Its English name is The International Council on Social Welfare (hereafter I will use its English abbreviated form ICSW, because in Slovakia the abbreviation MRSR is unknown). The French version is Le Conseil International d'Action Sociale (CIAS) and the Spanish form is El Consejo Internacional del Bienestar Social (CIBS). As can be seen, the name is not always identical and reflects the tradition and reality of the given language and country.

ICSW is in its development closely linked to social work and social practice in a diverse cultural and ideological environment, with the aim of improving human conditions and people's lives in relation to socio-economic uncertainties created by a market-oriented society. Emphasis is placed in a balanced way on international social work and on both international and domestic social development.

The direct predecessor of ICSW was the first International Conference on Social Work, held in Paris in July 1928. This landmark meeting was made possible by the determination and ideas of several extraordinary individuals who decided to lead and prepare the conference after the difficult experience of World War I, which caused devastation and suffering to many nations. Preparatory work for the international conference began during several events of the preparatory committee over a three-year period. This work culminated at a meeting in Prague in 1927, where the principles for organising the conference were prepared and adopted. The objectives set for this conference were such as facilitating discussion and the exchange of knowledge among social workers and social development organisations from around the world; helping to disseminate ideas and professional knowledge and to create personal contacts. The meeting promoted international cooperation within social work and beyond it, enabling the recognition of many activists, experts, and practitioners, as well as non-governmental structures aimed at improving living conditions. The largest intergovernmental organisations of that time – the League of Nations and the International Labour Organisation – provided technical assistance based on funding from several national and regional sources.

Mapping and investigating the area of interest, the first international conference in Paris emphasised that social work cannot be narrowed down to individual cases alone, but requires a broad interdisciplinary approach to alleviating suffering (i.e. providing palliative assistance), returning people to "normal" living conditions (through curative assistance), preventing social distress (preventive assistance), and improving social conditions and raising the standard of living (constructive assistance).

The importance of individual work was confirmed, along with the need to strengthen legal and administrative measures aimed at groups and communities, supplemented by research in the area of social development and social life. In an effort to expand activities, participants of the Paris conference highlighted the link between the needs of prevention, solving social problems, and the availability of resources. Agreement was reached on the need for professional qualifications and practice, but opinions differed among more than 2,500 participants representing diverse groups of social workers, healthcare providers, social sector workers, and other activists regarding the role of the state and the private sector. There was disagreement on the attitude of individual national representations and on the power of the executive committee. Nevertheless, agreement was reached on the fundamental values of international social work and its orientation.

From the first conference, the importance of thematic focus was recognised; the first priority theme was "social work and the economy". Around two-thirds of participants at the Paris conference were women. The conference elected a woman to lead it – Alice Masaryk, chairwoman of the Czechoslovak Red Cross, as president of ICSW for four years. Dr. René Sand became the first Secretary-General of the International Conference on Social Work. He held this position from 1928 to 1932. The temporary preparatory group of the Paris conference was transformed in 1928 into a permanent organisation under the name "International Conference on Social Work".

The essence of this change was the effort to harness the positive outcomes of the meeting for continuity without interruption. René Sand became president in 1936 and retained the position until the outbreak of World War II. Through its transformation into a permanent organisation – the International Conference on Social Work represented member organisations (national ICSW councils) of social work and social development, supporting humanitarian values and protecting disadvantaged groups. The organisation helped its members by providing information and consultations. A special diversity at the national level was accepted, but efforts to unify approaches provoked a counter-reaction in an effort to maintain the independence of each member organisation.

Before World War II, two more international conferences were held at four-year intervals. In 1932 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, with the theme "social work and the family" and in 1936 in London, Great Britain, with the theme "social work and the community". ICSW global conferences were resumed in 1948 after the interruption caused by World War II. Since then, global conferences have been held regularly, originally every four years and from 2010 every two years. Global conferences on social work and social development were organised through close cooperation between ICSW, the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) – the three sister organisations, as they were commonly known.

International conferences were regularly held within ICSW, either independently or together with IASSW and IFSW, addressing both persistent problems and new topics arising from the reality of contemporary life and changes on the global stage. During the 1950s and 1960s, a number of newly independent developing states emerged as new independent actors influencing economic and social change, causing ICSW to shift its agenda towards socio-economic development so that social rights, social development, and social protection were also addressed, including dominant themes on improving the lives of the poor, participation, social cohesion, community development, and the growing importance of social services. This has become a stable theme in global debates on social issues, progressively expanding the scope and goals of social development, analysing key actors and tools. ICSW membership expanded after national councils from many developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America became members.

Organisational changes followed and in 1966 ICSW, which had been known until then as the "International Conference on Social Work", changed its statutes and name to the "International Council on Social Welfare", thereby retaining its previous English abbreviation – ICSW. The term "social work" was replaced by "social welfare". In the spirit of tradition and translations in other languages and in an effort to best capture the essence of this organisation's mission, the translation "social development" is used in Slovakia. The term "welfare" itself has an ambiguous meaning that can be interpreted in various ways. In connection with the change, Kate Katzki, ICSW Secretary-General from 1967 to 1988, highlighted the fact that ICSW cannot in the future focus on a single goal only, namely being merely an international forum for social workers' discussions. The new name expresses structural changes in the organisation, the growing diversity of its activities, and a higher political orientation promoted by the ICSW leadership, individual regions, and the membership.

Changes in Organisational Structure and Activities

According to the statutes of the International Council on Social Welfare, ICSW is a global, non-governmental, apolitical, non-religious, and non-profit organisation that represents the interests of a wide range of national and international member organisations that strive to achieve progress in social justice, social development, social work, and social protection.

The main objectives of ICSW are: to promote all forms of social and economic development aimed at reducing poverty, deprivation, and vulnerability, particularly among disadvantaged population groups; to strive for the recognition and realisation of fundamental rights to work, income, nutrition, housing, healthcare, and security; to strengthen equal opportunities, freedom of expression, freedom of association, the right to participation, and access to services, and to suppress discrimination; to support policies and programmes that create a balance between social and economic goals, respect cultural diversity, and strengthen civil society worldwide to achieve these goals. ICSW strives for the implementation of these goals by governments, international organisations, and non-governmental agencies in cooperation with its network of member organisations.

The General Assembly approves the global four-year programme and two-year budgetary framework, is the highest governing body of ICSW, elects the president, vice-president, treasurer, and other members of the Management Committee, which is responsible for all decisions not assigned by the statutes to the General Assembly or the Supervisory and Advisory Board, which comprises regional presidents, the president, vice-president, and treasurer. It oversees and monitors the Management Committee and changes in operational procedures, the creation and restructuring of regions.

ICSW is a worldwide non-governmental organisation with a regional structure, but it is not a mass organisation, because only one national council from each country may be admitted as a member. Regional organisations are rooted in a specific region. Regions play an active role, but membership is tied directly to the global headquarters and not to the regions. ICSW is a geographically unified organisation in terms of membership and not a loose association.

The regional structure is established by internal implementing regulations. Regions have their own decision-making bodies, as well as their own programmes and activities. Every member, with the exception of international member organisations, is assigned to a specific region for the purpose of paying membership fees and for regional cooperation. Each member is equal at both the regional and global level. At the same time, there is considerable organisational independence – any member organisation may cooperate with any member organisation in another region, as well as have agreements for participation in activities at other regional meetings, events, and ICSW bodies. Regional general assemblies and other regional bodies may be established according to global or regional guidelines. Some regional ICSW organisations have their own legal personality. This is the case, for example, of the European organisation, mainly due to the requirement of the European Union. This enables it to be a member of the platform of pan-European non-governmental social organisations (Social Platform) and to participate in shaping European social policy and EU activities. ICSW in Europe also has official representation within the structures of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. In Europe, ICSW also cooperates regionally with other socially oriented associations, social workers, and trainers within the grouping for social action ENSACT.

The ICSW president is the chief representative of ICSW and is elected for a term of four years without the possibility of re-election. The president proposes the organisation's strategy, provides fundamental direction and proposes innovative approaches, and maintains interaction with other partners and key stakeholders at both regional and global levels. The current president is Michael Cichon, a well-known figure through his activity in the field of social protection at the International Labour Organisation.

The ICSW Executive Director is responsible for implementing the decisions of the General Assembly, the Supervisory and Advisory Board, and the Management Committee, as well as informing the Management Committee on important issues necessary for the running of the organisation. The Executive Director combines oversight of the day-to-day running of the global office with strategic long-term tasks, issuing the Global Cooperation Newsletter published by ICSW in English, French, and Spanish, and maintaining contacts with partners, including other non-governmental and international organisations. The current Executive Director Sergei Zelenev is known for his activity in the field of social development within the United Nations.

ICSW has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), the International Labour Organisation, and other UN agencies. This status enables ICSW to express itself at the UN through statements and lobbying, to participate in intergovernmental discussions, and to submit recommendations to these bodies. The ICSW Global Programme provides a strategic framework for operation at global, regional, and local levels, providing goals and direction for ICSW policy over four years.

Expanding the Scope of Work at the Global Level

Over the years, ICSW's priorities have gradually changed, reflecting the changing situation in the world, development and changes in its area of work, as well as increased awareness of the need to align social and economic policy. In the face of advancing integration and liberalisation of the world economy and the new intensity of international competition – with a marked change, not always positive, in the area of social expenditure, associated with reduced social transfers and restricted social services – the social situation changed very unevenly across the world's regions. Currently, there is a growing inequality between countries and within their parts, which creates pressure at national and international levels, posing a challenge for civil organisations like ICSW to raise their voice on behalf of groups and individuals who are abandoned and marginalised.

The issue of development also underwent change. Social development, human development, and humanisation have become one of the main concepts of international development since the early 1990s, with support not only from civil society but also from governments and international organisations. The need to see people as the ultimate outcome of development means focusing on poverty and poor people and promoting services that enhance the ability to cope with adversity (such as food security, education, and health), a multidimensional approach to the human being and human life; this caused many economists and politicians to shift away from the previously emphasised continuous economic growth per capita as the sole indicator of socio-economic development. The 1990s marked a turning point in the view of the philosophy and possibilities of addressing poverty.

At the beginning of the 1980s, ICSW had three main priorities: holding conferences and providing a space for discussion, providing support to national committees, and building a stronger position within the UN. The situation changed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when a new agenda increasingly asserted itself both from headquarters and from the regions. In the 1980s, there was a clear shift in the organisation's philosophy, including a major shift in focus from the idea of "social work" (work) to "social welfare" (welfare) and subsequently towards "social development" (development).

Decisive and fundamental changes took place in the 1970s and 1980s, when there was a shift from social work to the broader developmental social dimension at the global level. ICSW's interdisciplinary and holistic approach to development issues was shaped after World War II during ICSW global conferences. ICSW participated in numerous conferences, expert meetings, scientific seminars, and other events of international significance, where experiences were shared and the groundwork for change was laid. Global awareness of ICSW was fundamentally strengthened during the preparations for the World Summit for Social Development (WSSD), held in 1995 in Copenhagen. At that time, Slovakia was vice-chairman of this summit (among others, M. Hetteš participated in its leadership).

The World Summit for Social Development represented a fundamental political change within ICSW, not only in terms of the opportunity to contribute to the resulting documents, but also in that it enabled ICSW to be included among important organisations during the implementation of the results. In many areas, ICSW's activity in the post-summit period was focused on fulfilling the Ten Commitments (commandments) adopted in Copenhagen and the recommendations of the Summit Action Plan. The principles of social justice, equality, and a fair society according to the summit agenda are disseminated by ICSW, which has for many years striven to put them into practice and continuously supports them at high-level international forums. ICSW strives to create an environment for social development, eliminate poverty through national actions and international cooperation, promote full employment as a fundamental priority, strengthen a stable, safe, and fair society, and achieve social integration – all these were commitments that emerged at the summit and were set forth as principles in ICSW's activities. At the outset of the Millennium Summit 2000 and following the adoption of its development goals (MDGs), ICSW actively, systematically, and purposefully supported multilateral policy and efforts at national, regional, and global levels to improve people's conditions.

Support for social protection is understood by ICSW as one of the pillars of a far-sighted social policy aimed at ensuring universal access to social services, and basic income has become one of the fundamental priorities and an urgent and regular priority of ICSW's efforts today. The shift from a universal, publicly provided social protection system to means-tested systems, which is the result of the spread of neoliberal economic policy supported by international financial institutions, has caused extreme harm in many countries. ICSW has dedicated efforts to drawing attention to positive alternative solutions as opposed to selective and destructive approaches with a heavy impact on the most vulnerable due to reduced social expenditure. ICSW has throughout its history supported the principles of a universal system of basic social services and basic income, meaning it has strived for more than just access to a safety net. The need to protect people against social risks and adverse events, along with developing social protection systems and social justice, is well known and has always been upheld by ICSW in its statements and proceedings at various forums.

A new impetus for this effort was provided by International Labour Organisation Recommendation No. 202 on Social Protection Floors, which was unanimously adopted during the International Labour Conference at its 101st session in 2012. There is a growing general acceptance of the fact that implementing nationally defined minimum levels of social protection (SPFs) can be understood as a significant tool in the fight against poverty and inequality. The principle based on the entitlement to protection for women, men, and children living at risk and facing adversity helps maintain living standards throughout life, guarantees access to healthcare and other basic services, as well as at least a basic level of income security. ICSW supported this initiative within the UN as one of its nine initiatives to address the global financial crisis from its outbreak in 2009.

Partnerships

A joint effort of more than 80 non-governmental organisations exists in the established Global Coalition for guaranteed social protection, where they have joined forces with ICSW. This coalition has growing significance in the discussion, awareness-raising, and achievement of national consensus on policies, priorities, and monitoring of progress in the area of guaranteed social protection. The coalition plays an important role in promoting the role of social protection in the current process of shaping new development goals for the period after 2015 (when the Millennium Development Goals period ends). ICSW was a co-author of the Global Coalition's joint statement calling for a standalone development goal for social protection. However, the coalition with non-governmental partners is not the only joint effort ICSW has undertaken for social protection. Among a limited number of other international non-governmental organisations, ICSW was invited to participate in the work of the Social Protection Inter-Agency Cooperation Board, which was created at the initiative of the G-20 group of countries and is jointly managed by the International Labour Organisation and the World Bank. The Board has played an important role in developing conceptual tools for assessing performance and optimising the functioning of national social protection systems, and in the future could be significant in inter-agency advisory work on technical assistance at the national level, cooperation in social protection statistics, and other issues related to the promotion of social protection.

Another significant partnership was formed by ICSW within the UN with civil society organisations involved in strengthening the rights of older people. ICSW cooperates closely with the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People, where it expressed support for the development of a new international legal document on the rights of older persons. M. Hetteš in 2010 in New York presented and defended a UN resolution on this matter.

Besides its UN ties, ICSW has built strong partnerships and cooperates with similar organisations that share the same historical roots, particularly the "association" (International Association of Schools of Social Work – IASSW) and the "federation" (International Federation of Social Workers – IFSW). These three organisations work together in producing a joint journal dedicated to international social work (International Social Work) and in preparing joint world conferences focused on social work and social development, held every two years. These conferences, such as the one taking place in Melbourne, Australia, in July 2014, provide numerous opportunities for stakeholders to discuss common issues of social work and social development on a regular basis and enable linking theory with practice, policy goals, and social development intentions. Furthermore, global conferences enable the assessment of how to fulfil the priorities of the joint Global Social Agenda, which was adopted by ICSW together with IFSW and IASSW and provides knowledge on which activities of social workers and the community engaged in social development can protect the environment, promote alignment with a range of climate-change-oriented approaches and measures. The conferences help increase the awareness and capabilities of professionals in sustainable development.

At a joint meeting in November 2012 in Paris, the three organisations assessed specific steps in connection with the implementation of the Global Social Agenda and decided to establish an "Observatory of the Global Social Agenda" to gather evidence on the activities of social workers, educators, and development workers in supporting the implementation of the Global Social Agenda and in enhancing its visibility and credibility, as well as to support further activity. This new institution focuses on four themes of the Global Social Agenda in line with promoting social and economic equality. The topics to which it will devote attention in the coming years are: promoting human dignity and respect, working for environmental sustainability, and strengthening the recognition of the importance of human relationships. At the same time, a cross-cutting emphasis will be placed on creating appropriate conditions for education and professional practice.

Regional and National Activities

At the regional level, ICSW strives to increase the share of social development activity within regional government groupings; at the same time, at the national level, ICSW seeks to strengthen the ability of member organisations to influence social policy and its programmes in individual countries, while taking into account local conditions and the priorities of national socio-economic development. Respect for traditions is found in the new definition of social work.

The activities carried out by member organisations (national councils) are very diverse, but are in line with the ICSW Global Programme. For example, in 2012–2013, regional activities of ICSW organisations in Latin America focused on the availability of social protection and the possibility of implementing guaranteed social protection, developing new tools and policy measures. In Asia, activities focused on issues of the applicability and availability of social protection systems in specific regions (South Asia), the importance of partnership and cooperation between the government and the non-governmental sector in social policy and social development was emphasised (Southeast Asia and the Pacific), and challenges caused by ageing and the needs of long-term care were assessed (Northeast Asia).

ICSW in the European region organised several seminars to assess the situation of the working poor – people who have been pushed to the bottom of the labour market. Their fate represents a growing problem in all countries regardless of their level of development. The possibilities of using the guaranteed social protection initiative in Europe were assessed at a seminar in March 2014 in Rennes, France, with the active participation of M. Hetteš. Participants assessed the possibilities of existing social protection systems in Europe and pointed out gaps that need to be "repaired" and policy steps that need to be taken. In February 2014, a significant European conference on social investment took place in Bratislava, Slovakia. It was highlighted that a different relationship between citizens and the state is needed with regard to a potentially dignified life in the future and the need to create a new social contract between citizens and the state.

In June 2013, ICSW held a high-level forum in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on the importance of national civic dialogue. Issues of social inclusion and participation were discussed, along with seeking ways and means to ensure that the demands of diverse groups are heard, providing a genuine foundation for citizenship and democracy. The event was widely publicised and presented publicly within the region itself. In May 2014, a regional ICSW conference (MENA) was held in Rabat, Morocco, together with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and focused on the issue of social cohesion and the comparison of experiences in this part of the Arab world. In the African region, ICSW activities were focused on capacity building, promoting partnerships, and addressing issues of resource mobilisation.

In North America, ICSW's efforts were mainly devoted to the problems of promoting social inclusion, social cohesion, and active citizenship (e.g. in Canada). Much work remains, because in this region the view persists that social development is merely a solution for socially disadvantaged situations, which is a very narrow perspective.

The ICSW training programme aimed at promoting and strengthening member organisations (national ICSW councils) is an integral part of its activities and represents a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches. In addition to increasing knowledge, capacities, and capabilities, training provided by ICSW offers opportunities to improve existing ties with the academic community and to build relationships in the area of knowledge.

Looking Ahead

Even taking into account ICSW's 86-year history, the organisation sees not only successes but also many challenges. Above all, it must preserve and strengthen its own identity and mission, and leverage its unique experience to achieve common goals. ICSW is known as an organisation of people working in social development (professionals and laypeople alike). It needs to also be known as an organisation of top professionals in social policy who drive progress in conceptual thinking, advocate new ideas, and promote their dissemination.

It is necessary to continue the work by creating space for discussing the most important issues of each region where ICSW operates as well as at the global level. In this light, regional and global newsletters are important for enabling members to stay connected and informed about ongoing activities and for accelerating the dissemination of good practices. With the development of information technologies, there is also the possibility of using online presentations as a supplement to information in newsletters. One must not forget the need to reassess procedures, evaluate monitoring tools on ICSW's impact, and ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation.

A large number of new non-governmental organisations dedicated to social development have emerged in recent years. ICSW maintains its influence, professionalism, and commitment to its mission, also by utilising new approaches and greater efficiency.

ICSW occupies a good position as a bridge that addresses common global problems, connects regions, acts, provides knowledge in line with its members and partners, and mobilises efforts for social and economic progress in this global village. A sustainable, dignified life and not the imposition of unsustainable perpetual economic growth at the expense of the human essence is the essence of the mission of the International Council on Social Welfare.

Author: doc. RNDr. Miloslav Hetteš, CSc. The author is President of ICSW Europe www.icsw.org