Communication for Development is about dialogue, participation and the sharing of knowledge and information. It takes into account the needs and capacities of all concerned. Throughout the years many UN agencies, institutions, NGOs and grassroots organizations have gained experience in implementing Communication for Development. Nevertheless, `a redefinition of Communication for Development is necessary within the context of the 21st century, bearing in mind the new political and media landscape'1, especially regarding the rural digital divide and other emerging issues related to development.
Since their inception, 15 years ago, United Nations Inter-Agency Roundtable on Communication for Development have provided an informal forum for UN agencies, donors and practitioners to share progress, harmonize approaches and develop partnership arrangements. Roundtables meet every two years under the leadership of UNESCO and are hosted by UN agencies on a rotational basis. The Ninth United Nations Inter-Agency Roundtable on Communication for Development was hosted by FAO and organized in collaboration with UNESCO, the World Bank and IDRC, with financial contribution of the Government of Italy and CTA. This Roundtable focused on `Communication and Sustainable Development' and addressed three key themes: Communication for Natural Resource Management, Communication for Isolated and Marginalized Groups and Communication in Research, Extension and Education. After four days of presentations, working groups and intense discussion, the participants agreed on a declaration, recommendations and a Plan of Action to move forward in the three thematic areas. The Roundtable recognized the need for increased human and financial resources in Communication for Development; the need to harmonize approaches allowing for greater collaboration and networking; and the need to identify priorities and activities within the Plan of Action which will consolidate alliances and partnerships. The Roundtable affirmed that a Communication for Development approach is essential for bridging the rural `digital-divide' and to provide universal information access to rural populations. This should support the creation of local content and ownership, taking full advantage of the convergence between `conventional' media, such as rural radio and new information and communication technologies. The recommendations from the Roundtable clarify the contribution of Communication for Development in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, the goals defined by the World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002) and the World Summit on the Information Society (2003).
This report comprises a summary of the discussions and recommendations of the 2004 Roundtable as well as the proposed Plan of Action. A complete record of presentations is available on: http://www.fao.org/sd/dim_kn1/kn1_040701a_en.htm
The Ninth UN Roundtable marked a turning point in promoting partnerships and greater collaboration between UN agencies, Communication for Development organizations and practitioners, launching a new process to advance Communication for Development in the 21st century. Over the next two years, FAO will be honoured to act as a focal point to ensure that the recommendations and action plan are carried forward.
John H Monyo, Assistant Director-General
Sustainable Development Department (SDD), FAO, Rome, Italy
