Editing Development communication (section)

==== Strategic communication for sustainable development ====
"Communication is a key factor to begin and keep a proper Sustainable Development strategy" (Bucur and Petra, 2011).<ref>{{cite journal|author1=Bucur, M |author2=Petra, C.|title=Why Is Communication So Special For Sustainable Development?|journal=Scientific Bulletin of the Petru Maior" University of Târgu Mureş|date=2011|volume=8|issue=1|url=http://scientificbulletin.upm.ro/papers/2011-1/Bucur-M.-Petra-C-Why-is-communication-so-special-for-sustainable-development.pdf}}</ref> Development Communication can be defined as a "dialogue-based process entailing the strategic application of communication approaches, methods and/or technologies for social change". This definition highlights the three important features of development communication – process, analytical activity based on dialogue, and aims to achieve change.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Mefalopulos, P. |author2=Grenna, L.|s2cid=8166110|title=Promoting sustainable development through strategic communication|date=2004|publisher=IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK|isbn=978-2-8317-0822-5|page=25}}</ref> Strategic Communication is essential in encouraging public participation and achieving effective policy making. It affects goal setting, decision making, development and implementation, and impact assessment. However, communication as a strategic tool remains deficient in development programs creating the need to establish an Interest Group on Strategic Communication for Sustainable Development. Strategic communication "aims at the innovative and sustainable change of practices, behaviors and lifestyles, guides communication processes and media interventions within and among social groups".
An effective strategy for sustainable development integrates the vision and action plan of the government, civil society and the private sector.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Willner|first1=Susanne|title=Strategic Communication for Sustainable Development: A Conceptual Overview|url=https://www.cbd.int/cepa/toolkit/2008/doc/strategic%20communication%20for%20sustainable%20development.pdf|publisher=Schneller Druck, Reutlingen|access-date=28 March 2018}}</ref> The World Bank views development communication as the "integration of strategic communication in development projects" based on a clear understanding of indigenous realities.<ref name="ManyozoAJC" /> The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency is now recognizing the value of implementing strategic communication to support development initiatives. This is aligned with the long tradition of strategic communication initiatives used in development projects related to human rights, democracy, poverty alleviation and health aimed at generating awareness, promoting behavioral changes, affording mobilization, and creating partnerships to reach common goals.<ref>{{cite web|work=Sida Department for Policy and Methodology, Information Department|title=Dialogue and Strategic Communication in Development Cooperation|url=https://www.sida.se/contentassets/b4b1a8018a804e02848e716ca71cacb7/dialogue-and-strategic-communication-in-development-cooperation_1399.pdf|publisher=Edita Communication AB|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416200526/https://www.sida.se/contentassets/b4b1a8018a804e02848e716ca71cacb7/dialogue-and-strategic-communication-in-development-cooperation_1399.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>