The UN Communications Group (UNCG) is a practical tool for bringing the UN system’s communications resources and skills under a common umbrella. A UNCG at the country level works to strengthen inter-agency cooperation in the field of communications, ensures that messages are consistent, and enhances the media profile of UN activities at the national and/or regional level through jointly organized activities. It provides leadership in communication for the UN country team and communicates pertinent information, while a UNCG works together to highlight overarching concerns, identify new and creative ways to show how UN programmes are delivering results, support policy advocacy and advice, and promote a coherent image of the United Nations.

The core objectives of a UNCG focus on communicating with staff, stakeholders and the public to strengthen the UN system’s reputation, support policy advocacy and resource mobilization, and inspire action that promotes development. For country teams pursuing greater coherence and coordination by applying elements of the Delivering as One approach, the UNCG can serve as a foundation and coordinating body for joint communication.

The number of UN Communications Groups continues to grow and UN agencies are becoming more ambitious in using the groups to plan, coordinate and sequence their communications together. In 2010, UNCGs were operating in nearly 100 countries with varying degrees of success and operational unity. For UNCG country-level examples, read sample UNCG terms of references, annual reports and other supporting documents.