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Marquette, MI
Northern Michigan University’s 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.
“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.”
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.
Kumar presented papers at this year’s ICSD conference at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous) in Kochin, India, sharing his 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.
Kumar 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.”
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.
