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 Development Centre has been monitoring and analysing trends in public opinion about development cooperation in OECD countries. It also facilitates the DevCom Network: the Informal Network of DAC Development Communicators.

The Informal Network of DAC Development Communicators 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. Non-DAC OECD members often participate in thematic workshops and the Annual Meeting of the Network .

Members have been meeting annually to discuss communication and public support for aid since 1988. The Development 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.

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