RAJSHAHI, Feb 2, 2020 (BSS) – A symposium on ‘Communication for
Development (C4D)’ was held today at the Senate Building in Rajshahi
University (RU) aimed at disseminating ideas on the issue among all
concerned.
RU’s Institute of Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) hosted the symposium.
RU Vice-chancellor Prof Abdus Sobhan addressed the symposium as chief
guest while Pro-vice-chancellor Prof Ananda Kumar Shaha, Divisional Director
of UNICEF Nazibullah Hameem and Additional Director of University Grants
Commission Jaminur Rahman spoke as special guests. IQAC Director Professor
Abu Bakar Ismail was in the chair.
During his keynote presentation, Emeritus Prof David Mold from Ohio State
University in the USA illustrated the aspects of C4D.
Prof Abdus Sobhan said the audience that C4D focuses, involves
understanding people, their beliefs and values, the social and cultural norms
that shape their lives.
Prof David said communication for development is seen as a two-way process
for sharing ideas and knowledge using a range of communication tools and
approaches that empower individuals and communities to take actions to
improve their lives.
Nazibullah Hameem said UNICEF has a strong track record of amplifying the
voices of children and communities by harnessing the power of communication
to promote child survival, development, protection and participation.
Successful case studies range from polio immunization, curbing maternal
mortality, delaying child marriage for girls and use of ITCs for development,
he added.
In UNICEF, C4D is defined as a systematic, planned and evidence-based
strategic process to promote positive and measurable individual behaviour and
social change that is an integral part of development programmes, policy
advocacy and humanitarian work.