Distinguished Fellow of the ICSW and past President of the ICSW, underscored a specific, proactive role for the ICSW as a knowledge-based organization in the global debates on social policy. At the same time, we maintain close links with our national organizations on the ground, getting permanent reality checks and updated, very current knowledge of the challenges existing in the field. It is our common responsibility to maintain a “two-way” street regarding the information flows, both bottom-up and top-down, making sure that our global thinking is closely aligned with local actors.
In his view, the ICSW Global Cooperation Newsletter is an established tool at our disposal to increase our influence and global reach. Addressing audiences beyond our membership, such as politicians, civil servants from international organizations, journalists and social activists at large, is most important, and it must be done professionally, with high research standards and with invitations to well-known people, scholars and leaders in various fields to present their opinions and views. It is crucial to rely on strong networks of global experts, bringing them on board when necessary. The introduction of the new category of membership, namely, Distinguished Fellows, was a good innovation at the global level, but it may be equally important to have similar innovations on the ground.
The format of the global conferences that we convene may also be subject to re-consideration. We do not want to become victims of our success in terms of conference participation only to lose at the same time the ability to debate acute topics, even if difficult or even controversial, that are highly relevant for contemporary societies. Rather than concentrating on micro-issues we should promote debates on the cross-cutting issues. The high level of the debate — without shying away from “hot”, even controversial issues — may become an additional attraction for participants, along with the interactive approach used in the sessions. Opposing views and their respective arguments by well-known speakers could be presented in such a way as to stimulate the engagement of the audience. An “open microphone” after the session should become a standard practice, encouraging participants to present their views, get into the discussion with each other and learn from each other.
Sharing information better within the organization and using various means, including effective contemporary electronic means, are also important.
Also available, Towards 2028 (PDF) by Christian Rollet (77 Kb)
