Communications Toolkit

Successful organizations use strategic communications to help reach their goals. At UNDP, external and internal communication—nationally, regionally and globally—is critical to achieving both development results and business objectives. Skillful communication broadens the impacts of new policies, helps governance reforms take root, and attracts and fosters strong partnerships. It convinces people to embrace positive behaviour changes that advance human development.

On the business side, effective communication bolsters resource mobilization and project delivery. It ensures that UNDP strikes the right balance between being a decentralized organization responsive to national needs, and reaping the full benefits of sharing knowledge from around the world. It supports the smooth transmission of UNDP’s core corporate principles and strategies across offices in 166 countries.

This toolkit was designed to give all UNDP staff a basic briefing on why and how to do communications. It is a practical guide, loaded with tips and tools. Best practices demonstrate how effective communications works in the real world.

Communications staff can turn to the toolkit for everything from how to write a press release to how to manage a crisis. Resident Representatives and senior managers might dip in for guidance on handling interviews and speeches, developing a communications strategy and managing a communications team. For programme staff, there is information on producing publications and advice on clear writing. And for web focal points, there is information on best practices and guidelines for effective online communication. We have also created a social media wiki for guidance on how to use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter for outreach activities.

The toolkit was designed to be a living document, one that evolves over time by addressing new issues and presenting fresh resources. The Office of Communications will regularly update the best practices and invites the submission of these from all UNDP departments and offices, in keeping with the UNDP practice of sharing knowledge from around the world. You can send submissions to communications.toolkit@undp.org.

Photo: Brazil – Eliminating CFCs