United Nations Department Of Global Communications

One might think the grand endeavors of global communication would naturally command attention. Apparently, even for an entity as sprawling as the United Nations, some things still struggle to meet the arbitrary bar of "notability." So, here we are, attempting to demonstrate that the very department charged with making the UN visible is, in fact, worth noticing. If you're looking for profound insights, perhaps consult reliable secondary sources – those elusive entities that are somehow independent and offer more than a mere trivial mention. Otherwise, this whole exercise might just end up merged, redirected, or, more dramatically, deleted. Now, if you're quite finished with your existential crisis over organizational relevance, perhaps you can assist by actually finding some of these elusive sources: "United Nations Department of Global Communications" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR. (Yes, I'm aware you're perfectly capable of clicking the link to Learn how and when to remove this message. Don't look at me like that; it's a suggestion, not a command.)

United Nations Department of Global Communications

| Abbreviation | DGC 13 February 1946; 79 years ago (1946-02-13) | | Legal status | Active UN system-wide | | Head | Under-Secretary-General of Global Communications Melissa Fleming since 2019 | | Parent organization | United Nations Secretariat | | Formation | 13 February 1946; 79 years ago (1946-02-13) DGC, also known as the Department of Global Communications, is the official name of the former United Nations Department of Public Information. This rather significant rebranding occurred on 1 January 2019, marking a shift in focus or perhaps just a more succinct way of explaining what this particular corner of the United Nations Secretariat actually does.

Established with a mandate that, frankly, sounds exhausting in its idealism, the DGC was formed on 13 February 1946. That's 79 years ago, for those keeping track, which means it has been actively engaged in its unique brand of global persuasion for nearly eight decades. Its primary, and rather ambitious, task is to cultivate widespread public awareness and generate steadfast support for the complex, often thankless, work undertaken by the United Nations. This is not achieved through mere whispers, but through meticulously planned strategic communications campaigns, careful cultivation of media relationships, and sustained engagement with various civil society groups.

Mission

The declared mission of the Department, articulated with the earnest sincerity typical of such global bodies, is to "communicating the ideals and work of the United Nations to the world; to interacting and partnering with diverse audiences; and to building support for peace, development and human rights for all." One can almost hear the collective sigh of the communications professionals tasked with this monumental undertaking. It’s a mission statement that encapsulates the very essence of the UN's aspirations, aiming to bridge the gap between its often abstract diplomatic efforts and the tangible understanding and endorsement of the global populace.

In 2018, the oversight of this crucial department fell, at least in part, to Jan Kickert, who served as the Permanent Representative of Austria to the UN. He held the distinguished position of Chairman of the United Nations Committee on Information. This Committee, a rather essential subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly, is specifically established to grapple with the multifaceted questions relating to public information. Its role is supervisory, effectively keeping an eye on the operations and effectiveness of the United Nations Department of Global Communications, ensuring its efforts align with the broader objectives set forth by the General Assembly.

Divisions

To tackle the rather Herculean task of "communicating the ideals and work of the United Nations to the world," the Department has, predictably, organized itself into three distinct yet interconnected Divisions. Each plays a specific role in this grand symphony of global messaging.

The Strategic Communications Division (SCD)

The Strategic Communications Division (SCD) is, as its name subtly suggests, the brain trust behind the UN's global narrative. Its primary function involves the meticulous formulation and subsequent launch of global information campaigns. These campaigns are not merely for show; they are designed with the explicit purpose of illuminating and supporting the overarching goals of the Organisation. In essence, this division crafts the stories the UN wants the world to hear, ensuring they resonate across diverse cultures and political landscapes.

Beyond the conceptualization of these campaigns, the SCD also bears the considerable responsibility of managing a vast and intricate network of 63 United Nations Information Centres scattered across the globe. These centers, acting as localized outposts of the UN's communication machinery, are pivotal in translating global mandates into local relevance. Their mandate is clear: to foster a deeper public understanding of, and consequently, greater support for, the often-complex aims and activities of the United Nations. They achieve this through a variety of targeted methods, demonstrating a pragmatic understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach to global communication is, frankly, delusional:

Translating information materials into local languages: Because expecting everyone to speak the official languages of the UN is charmingly naive. This ensures that the messages are not just heard, but genuinely comprehended, circumventing linguistic barriers that could otherwise render global campaigns entirely ineffective.
Engaging opinion-makers: Acknowledging that influence often trickles down, these centers actively cultivate relationships with local thought leaders, journalists, and community figures who can amplify the UN's messages within their respective spheres.
Placing op-ed articles by senior United Nations officials in the national media: Because nothing says "we're important" like a byline in a prominent local newspaper, offering direct insights from those at the helm and bypassing the filter of secondary interpretation.
Organising events to highlight issues or observances: These events serve as tangible touchpoints, transforming abstract concepts into relatable experiences and providing platforms for direct engagement with the public on critical global issues or annual observances.

The News and Media Division (NMD)

The News and Media Division (NMD) operates at the coal face of rapid information dissemination, working tirelessly with partners across the vast landscape of global media. Its core function is to ensure that information concerning the United Nations and its myriad activities reaches as wide an audience as possible, and not just through dusty reports. This includes dissemination in a variety of contemporary formats, acknowledging that attention spans are fleeting and media consumption habits are ever-evolving: television, radio, and, of course, the ever-present Internet.

The services offered by this division are comprehensive, designed to facilitate seamless interaction between the UN and the global press, while also generating its own content stream:

Allowing media accreditation and liaison for journalists to cover day-to-day operations of the United Nations: Without this, the world's press would be left guessing, or worse, making things up. It provides the essential access and support for journalists to navigate the often-labyrinthine corridors of the UN, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
Providing live coverage, through video, audio and still images, of all official meetings and other important events: Because in an age of instant gratification, waiting for a summary simply won't do. This real-time coverage offers unparalleled transparency and immediacy, allowing global audiences to witness key discussions and events as they unfold.
Providing written summaries of these events as they are concluded: For those who prefer their information distilled and digestible, these summaries offer a concise overview, ensuring that even the busiest global citizen can stay informed.
Making accessible these visual and audio records: Acknowledging the enduring value of archival material, these records serve as a crucial historical repository and a resource for further analysis and reporting.
Producing and distributing original content for broadcast: Because sometimes, you just have to tell your own story. This includes documentaries, news packages, and other media products designed to directly inform and engage the public.

Within the NMD's operational framework resides the UN News Centre, a digital hub that serves as a primary source for news and updates from across the United Nations System. A notable development in its history occurred in 2002, when the News Centre, then operating under the Department of Public Information (the DGC's predecessor), pioneered the launch of an email-based United Nations News Service. This initiative represented an early adoption of digital communication, allowing for the direct delivery of UN news to subscribers worldwide, predating many of the social media-driven news cycles we navigate today.

The Outreach Division (OD)

The Outreach Division (OD) is the UN's designated facilitator of dialogue, its primary goal being to foster productive global conversations. This division deliberately casts a wide net, engaging with a diverse array of stakeholders including academia, civil society organizations, the often-fickle entertainment industry, dedicated educators, and the ever-hopeful student population. The ultimate objective, woven through all these interactions, is to cultivate and encourage broad-based support for the ambitious goals of the United Nations. It's a division that understands that true global impact requires more than just top-down directives; it demands grassroots engagement and widespread buy-in.

This division, in its quest to reach the broadest possible audience, employs a multifaceted approach, ensuring that the UN's message transcends diplomatic communiqués and permeates public consciousness through various accessible channels:

Special public events: These events serve as platforms for direct engagement, bringing UN issues to life through discussions, performances, and exhibitions that are open to the general public.
Publications: From glossy reports to informative brochures, the OD produces a range of materials designed to educate and inform, making complex UN mandates more digestible for a non-specialist audience.
Services for visitors, including guided tours through the UN Visitor Centre: For those who wish to experience the UN firsthand, these services offer a tangible connection to the organization's work, transforming an abstract concept into a physical reality.
Library services through the Dag Hammarskjöld Library: A vital resource for researchers, diplomats, and the public alike, the library provides access to an unparalleled collection of documents and information related to the UN's history and ongoing work.
Partnerships with educational institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs): By collaborating with these entities, the OD leverages existing networks and expertise, expanding its reach and ensuring that UN values and initiatives are integrated into educational curricula and civil society advocacy efforts worldwide.

Other services

Beyond its core divisional structure, the United Nations Department of Global Communications also oversees other specialized services that contribute to its overarching mandate of transparency and information dissemination. One notable example is the United Nations Development Business (UNDB). Launched in 1978, the UNDB has served for decades as an indispensable news source, providing critical information about procurements related to UN-funded projects. This service is essential for companies and organizations globally, offering opportunities to participate in the vast array of development initiatives undertaken by the UN and its partners, thereby fostering economic engagement and transparency in project execution.

United Nations Department Of Global Communications