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COVID-19 as an opportunity for intensifying and improving communication about sustainable developmen

Innovative response

The Department of Sustainable Development (DSD), Romania, has distinguished itself, in the last 3 years, by approaching and interacting in person with representatives of institutions and civil society by organizing events, workshops and debates on the implementation of sustainable development objectives of the 2030 Agenda and the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of Romania 2030.
In the context of social distancing, imposed by the COVID-19 crisis, DSD seeks solutions to bring together the traditional partners, general public and citizens (suffocated by messages pandemic and recommendations), through dialogue and positive messages about their own efforts and actions and those of national and international institutions, . International center the well-being of today's citizen and future generations.

For its current activities and to maintain the proximity of partners and civil society, DDD has focused on the use distance technologies of communication, through fast and simultaneous connectivity, with an increasing participation of the public, through video-meeting platforms.

Specific issues addressed and anticipated impact

The answer to the COVID-19 challenge lies in the principles of sustainable development and in the involvement of society as a whole. That is why it is very important to intensify communication about sustainable development and direct interaction with the public. We expect that a correct communication of messages during this period to strengthen our presence in the public space and to unite citizens and organizations in a ""movement"" for a more cohesive society and sustainable development.
We estimate that in a relatively short period of time, through the means of communication in the virtual environment, we will expand much more our network of supporters of sustainable development .

Organisations/institutions involved

Department of Sustainable Development – Romanian Government
Central and local authorities
National and international organizations involved in supporting 2030 Agenda for sustainable development
Civil society

Potential issues

We are actively looking to develop in the future a communication strategy both virtually and in person, to expand the number of people and organizations with which to be in direct contact, because sustainable development is addressed mainly to people, and the planet.

Level(s) of government:
  • National/Federal government
  • Local government
  • International Organisation

Issues being addressed:

  • Information and practice sharing (with public and/or internal)
  • Governance responses
  • Real-time data collection, sharing, and analysis

Date Submitted:

11 May 2020