The 2014 Annual Meeting of the OECD Development Communication Network (DevCom) focused in particular on ways the Network can facilitate closer collaboration between communicators on the major development themes of 2015, especially the MDG-SDG transition. It was hosted by the OECD Development Centre in Paris.

 

Agenda

Session 1
2015 as the Turning Point for Development Advocacy

During this session, discussants will present a range of opportunities for co-ordinated development communication efforts in 2015, including the European Year for Development, COP 21 and the roll-out of the post-2015 development framework. Members are invited to reflect on ways for the DevCom Network to leverage these events to improve co-ordination and public awareness.

• Trygve OLFARNES, Head of Advocacy and Communication (NRO), UNDP
• Benjamin NEUMANN, Director of Communication, AFD

Session 2
Joining-up Communication Efforts

Following the presentations made on opportunities for joint communication efforts in 2015, representatives from DFID and UNICEF will share examples of two recent joint campaigns. Participants will then discuss practical, concrete efforts in facilitated breakout groups. At the conclusion of the session, ideas will be presented in plenary.

• Marte LID, Senior Adviser, Communication, NORAD
• Richard WILSON, Head of Policy Communication Unit, DFID

Session 3
Ebola and the Need to Improve Crisis Communication — Short-term Opportunities and Long-term Prospects

This panel discussion responds to a request by members to look at ways to improve development communication in times of crises, including humanitarian and natural disasters, and violent conflict. Using the Ebola crisis in West Africa as a case study, panellists will look at options to improve crisis communication in the short-term and how development actors can do better in the future.

• Benoît CARPENTIER, Head of Public Communication Unit, IFRC
• Joel KIBAZO, Director, Communication & External Relations, African Development Bank
• Claire MAGONE, Director of Communication, MSF France
• Moderator: Patrick LOVE, Editor, OECD Insights Blog

Special Event
Launch of Engaging with the Public: 12 Lessons from DAC Peer Reviews

The joint DevCom-DAC publication Engaging the Public: 12 Lessons from DAC Peer Reviews and the Network of DAC Development Communicators (DevCom) will be launched during a special debate, featuring a distinguished panel of development and communication professionals.

• Brenda KILLEN, Deputy Director, OECD Development Co-operation Directorate
• Mario PEZZINI, Director, OECD Development Centre
• Andrew DARNTON, Author of Finding Frames: New Ways to Engage the UK Public in Global Poverty
• Charlotte HENRIKSEN, Head of Communication Section, Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Trygve OLFARNES, Head of Advocacy and Communication (NRO), UNDP
• Moderator: James DEANE, Director of Policy and Learning, BBC Media Action

Session 4
DevCom 2.0

During this session, the DevCom Secretariat will present the findings of the survey submitted to members on options for the Network’s future programme of work. Because the Network’s programme of work is demand-driven and financed by voluntary contributions, members are kindly requested to review the draft proposal submitted in advance of the Annual Meeting in order to be able to provide conclusive feedback on their ability to participate in the Network in 2015-16.

• Bathylle MISSIKA, Acting Head, Policy Dialogue, OECD Development Centre
• James EBERLEIN, Co-ordinator, DevCom

Session 5
Moving Forward

Following the presentation of the Secretariat’s proposal for DevCom’s 2015-16 programme of work and budget in the previous session, a tour de table will provide members the opportunity to confirm support for the orientation proposed by the Secretariat and raise any issues related to the Network’s mandate going forward.

• Chair: Eva BRATHOLM, Director of Communication, Norad
• Mario PEZZINI, Director, OECD Development Centre

 

Background Documents

• Engaging with the Public: 12 Lessons from DAC Peer Reviews and the Network of DAC Development Communicators

Full background documentation, including the summary record, is available on the DevCom Knowledge Platform (members only). To request access, please contact the DevCom Secretariat.