"Sustainability has been a guiding principle in development for long but gained renewed impetus through the worldwide adoption of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals following the increasingly tangible environmental and social effects of climate change. Achieving sustainable developm ... ent, however, has proved complicated, as it requires dealing with complex issues that cut across disciplines, sectors and stakeholder interests. This chapter explores what it takes to facilitate sustainable development and social change by unravelling the elements of a communication strategy that can bridge these complexities. Such a strategy is built on the principles of participation and empowerment and applies both ‘telling’ and ‘sharing’ functions of communication to inform, engage and connect stakeholders. These principles and practices are illustrated by two cases where conflicting interests existed between environmental and livelihood objectives. It concludes with the observation that a favorable institutional context is needed to operationalize effective communication for sustainable development." (Abstract) more

"This book sets the stage for subsequent books by identifying and analysing the current gaps in the field. It critically reviews the theory and practice of Communication for Social Change (CSC) with a specific accent on the role played by structures in the creation of the discourses of CSC. Thomas a ... nd van de Fliert address issues relating to the political economy of international communication and development as the context of institutions and power structures in which CSC operates, and explore the attempts made over time, many in vain, to mainstream CSC policy and strategy. They conclude by arguing how a renewed focus on communication rights can further the belief that CSC practice should serve people's right to have their voices heard and their own goals articulated and pursued." (Publisher description) more