More UN Country Teams Using Joint Communication, RCs Report

UN country teams are increasingly engaging in joint strategic communication activities such as developing a common strategy and conducting advocacy and media relations together, new research by the Development Operations Coordination Office shows.

Prepared for the global UN Communications Group and the forthcoming Synthesis of Resident Coordinator Annual Reports for 2008, “Joint Communication in 2008” also indicates that the number of countries with UN Communications Groups continues to grow, and UN agencies are becoming more ambitious in using the groups to plan, coordinate and sequence their communications. Country teams are using more and better-quality joint communication products and vehicles, including UN system web sites, UN newsletters and other common materials such as reports and information kits. The findings are based on RC Annual Reports, the Delivering as One pilots’ stocktaking reports, and a survey conducted by the UN DPI.

Joint communication describes UN agencies’ efforts to coordinate and share their communication resources at the country level in order to improve UN support for national and international development objectives, particularly the Millennium Development Goals. The aims are to position the UN development system as an effective and impartial partner; enhance the reputation and influence of UN agencies; deepen engagement with stakeholders; and provide comprehensive and timely information about programmes and results.

DOCO has also updated the Joint Communication section of the UNDG web site with country examples and extensive resources from the UNDG, UNCG and UN organizations. Visit www.undg.org/communication to see what’s available. Do you have a joint communication strategy or joint products that aren’t on the UNDG web site? Please send them to us! The global UNCG and DOCO can also provide support and guidance for UNCGs and joint communication strategies and initiatives.

UN report says addressing climate change requires
low-emission, high-growth strategies

The Department of Economic and Social Affairs launched its 2009 World Economic and Social Survey: Promoting Development, Saving the Planet on 1 September 2009. DESA contends that low-emissions, high-growth pathways to meet the development and climate challenge are feasible and necessary. Failing to address the current level of global inequality over the next half-century, while the world tries to solve the climate problem, is economically, politically and ethically unacceptable. Read the full report or the report overview. View DESA’s press conference presentation and webcast.