[2009] This background paper was prepared for the 11th UN Inter-Agency Round Table on Communication for Development, held in Washington from 11-13 March 2009.

UN agencies recognize ComDev as a central tool in supporting development, and in particular the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As a consequence, much work has been carried out to understand and embed the principles of ComDev within the UN structure. However, despite an emphasis on results-based management within the UN, there are currently no commonly-agreed tools for assessing the impact of ComDev programmes.

This paper explores the key issues surrounding ComDev, considering case studies and best practice methodology in order to identify key questions and indicators to assess and demonstrate its impact.