At the retreat, the heads of agencies agreed on the following next steps:

1. Hold a UNCT discussion, perhaps at the Deputy or working level, on the strategic objectives for joint communications and determine the main themes for key messages and communications campaigns during the coming months. Possible themes: Elections, Peace, Agriculture, Sustainable Livelihoods (jobs), Governance and anti-corruption.

2. The UN Communications Group, with support from OCPI and the Resident Coordinator’s Office, will develop, circulate and use key messages for the UNCT. At upcoming meetings they should also discuss further ways to work together and implement communications plans and campaigns jointly.

3. Resident Coordinator’s Office and UNCG, with support from OCPI and DOCO, to prepare a short-term UNCT communications plan (April-July) for consideration.

4. RCO and UNCG, with support from OCPI and DOCO, to prepare a medium-term UNCT communications strategy (July-December) for consideration.

Below are the presentation and follow up report by the facilitator, DOCO Strategic Communications Specialist Michael Kovrig.