At the heart of change: the role of communication in sustainable development

We have passed the half-way point of the Millennium Development Goals, yet it is almost certain that many countries will fail to reach them. One of the reasons, the authors argue, is that policymakers are neglecting the central role of information, communication and the media for successful development.

The report shows that open, transparent and participatory information and communication processes form the lifeblood of politics and good governance. These processes are central to the creation of healthy, vibrant civil societies and are an essential part of efficient, more equitable economic growth.

Many governments and development organisations talk about the importance of participation and ownership by poor and marginalised people, and the vital role of the media in creating more inclusive debate. But the authors believe this has yet to be fully reflected in their policies and approaches.

In this report, Panos London sets out an agenda for action that calls on governments and development agencies to: 

• build more open, transparent information and communication systems and political cultures 
• treat information, communication and the media as ‘public goods’ and invest accordingly
• take a holistic view of communication processes and integrate communications into development planning and implementation 
• invest more resources into media development