The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), the global membership body for PR agencies, to take on the climate crisis and tackle persistent communications challenges.

UNDP is the largest United Nations agency leading the fight against climate change with 6000 projects across 170 countries. ICCO is a federation of national and international PR membership bodies, with over 3000 agency members across 82 countries.

The UNDP’s partnership with ICCO is headlined by the creation of a special Climate Comms Taskforce (CCT). The taskforce will be spearheaded by Chris Pratt, member of the Climate Communication Group of the PRCA (the UK Public Relations and Communications Association) and by Boaz Paldi, Chief Creative Officer, UNDP.

The Taskforce will seek to draw on some of the world’s best climate communicators and PR strategists to drive a series of campaigns and activations in the pursuit of mobilising action across several key global markets.

ICCO will unveil new members of the Taskforce in the coming weeks. The partnership is a significant signal of intent from the UNDP to draw on the skills and know-how of creative PR professionals to deliver impactful messages on climate change into communities around the world.

Grzegorz Szczepanski, ICCO President said:

“Climate Change is one of the most critical global issues of our time – and we believe it’s an issue for our industry to solve. ICCO has long supported the Sustainable Development Goals and recognises the significance of their work. Their important messages need to influence people across a vast array of geographies and demographics. This partnership is a significant recognition from UNDP of the central role PR and Comms expertise will play in achieving their goals. In turn it is a recognition from ICCO members, of the power we have to cause real change. We are proud to support this cause.”

Boaz Paldi, UNDP Chief Creative Officer said:

“PR is an integral component in the fight against climate change, this is recognised by scientists and global institutions like UNDP. The partnership with ICCO will help drive earned global media attention and engagement in our campaigns and delivering UNDP messages in local markets in a way that will be locally understood. ICCO’s cross-agency, international strategic plan will be essential to the success of our work. This is a long-term relationship that can be nurtured for the betterment of the planet.”

Romania was invited to join the global ICCO network at the Johannesburg conference in May 2017, thus becoming an active partner in the global ICCO network. The significant role in facilitating this affiliation was attributed to the higher forums of the Romanian Public Relations Association (ARRP), active six years ago, including Gabriel Paslaru, president, distinguished figures like Dumitru Bortun, Radu Balbaie, or Corneliu Cojocaru, as well as professional communicators such as Camelia Spataru, Florentina Iusco, Catalin Hosu, among other board members and the Honorary Jury of ARRP in matters of professional ethics. Romania’s affiliation with ICCO was initiated by Catalina Rousseau and her strategic communication agency BDR Associates, a Hill & Knowlton partner, and was developed in collaboration with ARRP.

About ICCO

The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) is the voice of public relations consultancies around the world. ICCO membership comprises 40 associations representing 82 countries across the globe. Collectively, these associations represent over 3,000 PR firms.

ICCO provides a forum for the senior management of the world’s top PR firms to meet and address issues of mutual interest and concern.

Members share insights and knowledge, working together to raise professional and ethical standards, champion the value of PR in business, and prepare the industry for future technologies, skill requirements and business models.

ICCO connects businesses seeking partnerships in different parts of the world, utilising the extensive network of consultancies to support international business growth.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (PNUD) is the main United Nations organization combating poverty, inequality, and climate change. PNUD collaborates with an extensive network of experts and partners across 170 countries and territories, aiding nations in developing integrated and sustainable solutions for both people and the planet.