President of Global Alliance Addresses United Nations, Calls for ‘Responsible Communication’ as New Sustainable Development Goal

President of Global Alliance Addresses United Nations, Calls for ‘Responsible Communication’ as New Sustainable Development Goal

On July 24, 2024, Prof. Justin Green, President & CEO of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, addressed the United Nations, advocating for the establishment of ‘Responsible Communication’ as the new 18th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

The meeting, which included senior UN officials such as Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, and Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division, explored the importance of responsible communication in achieving sustainable development.

Green highlighted the critical role of communication in building trust, fostering informed dialogue, and promoting social cohesion—elements that are fundamental to addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and democratic governance.

“The proliferation of misinformation, hate speech, and unethical communication practices poses a grave threat to our societies,” said Green. “By establishing a dedicated SDG on responsible communication, we can empower people, combat the spread of false narratives, and ensure that information spaces are safer and more humane.”

The proposed SDG would focus on key targets, including promoting media and digital literacy, supporting ethical practices in the communication profession, combating misinformation, enhancing trust in institutions, and fostering inclusive communication.

The Global Alliance delegation, which included representatives from the Public Relations Society of America and other communication organizations, also presented a proposal for a partnership between the Global Alliance and the United Nations to collaborate on the implementation of this new goal.

“Communication is the cornerstone of human interaction and societal development,” said Green. “It’s time for the global community to recognize the critical importance of responsible communication in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and shaping a better future for all.”

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the way forward, including the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, policy and regulatory frameworks, capacity building and education, technological innovation, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Read the full document on the Global Alliance’s website