Policy makers working on development issues care about public attitudes for at least two reasons: they are accountable to taxpayers, and they need public support. Yet, evidence on public attitudes towards development across OECD countries is uneven and scattered, and the strategic importance of communication for development is not widely understood. For over a decade, the Centre has been monitoring and analysing trends in public opinion about development cooperation in OECD countries.

The Informal Network of DAC Development Communicators  (DevCom) is made up of Directors of Communication/Public Affairs from the 22 DAC member countries. Directors of Communication from the European Commission, the UNDP and the World Bank also participate in this Network. Members have been meeting  annually to discuss communication and public support for aid since 1988. The Centre, with strong involvement from the DAC Communication Manager, coordinates and hosts the secretariat of the Network. Fifteen DAC members are financing this coordination project in 2007 and 2008.

The Emerging Markets Network  (EmNet) was established in 2006 as platform of dialogue between OECD-based multinationals and their counterparts from emerging countries. Members convene quarterly to discuss the significant topics in emerging markets today and tomorrow. The closed-door meetings offer a thought-provoking debate: synergy of minds from firms driving growth in emerging markets today. EmNet also proposes a wide range of services to members through privileged and customised access to the OECD’s information resources.

The Development Finance Network  (DeFiNe) is a global network of think tanks and academic establishments. Institutions belonging to DeFiNe come both from developing and OECD countries. They provide perspectives on the ongoing work themes at the OECD and help establish dialogue on development issues between OECD and non-OECD members. DeFiNe’s work feeds into the content of various OECD development fora.