Northern Michigan University Social Work Assistant Professor Vikash Kumar has been recognized for his contributions to the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD), which he serves as a board member and director of information and technology. Kumar was honored at the ICSD's 24th biennial conference in India. He and NMU Associate Professor Karl Johnson also presented papers at the conference.
ICSD is an international organization with three regional branches across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Europe. For over 50 years, it has provided a platform for scholars to collaborate and exchange ideas on social development. Kumar has been instrumental in advancing ICSD's mission and expanding its reach. He has helped to organize the biennial conferences, strengthen international collaborations, and support the publication of Social Development Issues, a peer-reviewed journal.
Kumar shared that in 2027, ICSD will partner with the University of Georgia School of Social Work to host its 25th conference. This will provide an opportunity for NMU students and faculty to participate in the conference.
"Regular collaboration with scholars helps us refine our curriculum to meet the evolving needs of communities worldwide," Kumar said. "At Northern, we are committed to ensuring our students are prepared to tackle emerging global challenges and make a real impact."
He and Johnson presented papers at this year's ICSD conference at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous) in Kochin, India, sharing their insights on pressing social issues and policy frameworks.
Kumar presented his research on Identifying Skill Gaps in Human Rights Organizations in the Neoliberal Era. His study examines the challenges faced by human rights organizations serving marginalized populations, including domestic workers and those living in slums or homelessness. Through qualitative research, he identified significant skill gaps in funding mobilization, program management, strategic planning and advocacy. His findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen grassroots organizations, which play a crucial role in addressing social injustice.
Johnson presented The Economic Logic of Developmental Welfare State Policy: Clarifying Differences with the Standard Economic View. His paper challenges the prevailing assumptions of neoliberal economic policies. His work critiques the notion that traditional welfare state policies are unsustainable and explores how these policies can enable societies to adapt to socioeconomic changes while preventing poverty and supporting productive outcomes.
Johnson draws on developmentalist principles to argue for the continued relevance of social policies that protect and promote societal welfare, in both the Global North and Global South. His paper calls for a rethinking of social policy and urges scholars and advocates to challenge neoliberal orthodoxy, broadening the scope of feasible social policies for countries at different levels of development.
Both NMU faculty members met several scholars and discussed academic and exchange opportunities for students.
“Participation at conferences is important for advancing and sharing knowledge in social work practice,” Kumar added. “It is essential to have continuous, deliberate discussions, especially when we are living in a globalized world. Such conferences also provide opportunities to meet scholars and develop a shared understanding of what is happening around the world. This helps us refine our courses and curricula, making them more relevant as we prepare students to tackle future challenges.”
Johnson said he was struck by the wonderful opportunity to hear from and interact one-on-one with leading Indian legislators and scholars. He was reminded of the universal needs and challenges all citizens share, regardless of where they live. He said he looks forward to exploring research opportunities and possibly applying the developmentalist ideas he has been working on and publishing in recent years.
