Communication and sustainable development

Selected papers from the 9th UN Roundtable on Communication for Development

All those involved in the analysis and application of communication for development - or what can broadly be termed “development communication” - would probably agree that in essence development communication is the sharing of knowledge aimed at reaching a consensus for action that takes into account the interests, needs and capacities of all concerned. It is thus a social process. Communication media are important tools in achieving this process but their use is not an aim in itself— interpersonal communication too must play a fundamental role.

In this paper we attempt to summarize:

• The contribution of communication to sustainable development
• Definitions of sustainable development from a ‘Western’ versus ‘Eastern’ perspective
• Current trends, challenges and priorities
• The current debate on globalization and localization and its consequences for research on communication for sustainable development
• Sustainable development at a community level
• Priority areas for communication organizations and practitioners in relation to sustainable development
• Research and policy challenges facing communication for sustainable development
• The possible impact of Communication for Development on the Millennium Development Goals, especially those set by the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, 2001) and the World Summit on the Information Society (Geneva, 2003).

(Also available in French and Spanish)

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