The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the leading UN agency in the battle against climate change, has joined forces with the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), the global network of PR firms, to address the climate crisis and overcome communication hurdles.

UNDP runs 6000 projects in 170 countries to combat climate change. ICCO represents over 3000 PR agencies in 82 countries, as a federation of national and international PR associations.

The collaboration between UNDP and ICCO is marked by the establishment of a special Climate Comms Taskforce (CCT). The taskforce will be led by Chris Pratt, a 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 tap into some of the world’s top climate communicators and PR planners to launch a series of campaigns and events to inspire action in several key global markets.

ICCO will announce new members of the Taskforce in the next few weeks. The partnership is a clear indication of UNDP’s intention to use the skills and knowledge of creative PR professionals to deliver powerful messages on climate change to communities around the world.

Grzegorz Szczepanski, ICCO President said:

“Climate Change is one of the most urgent 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 acknowledges the importance of their work. Their vital messages need to reach people across a wide range of geographies and demographics. This partnership is a clear 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 make a real difference. We are proud to support this cause.”

Boaz Paldi, UNDP Chief Creative Officer said:

“PR is a key component in the fight against climate change, this is recognised by scientists and global institutions like UNDP. The partnership with ICCO will help generate global media attention and engagement in our campaigns and convey UNDP messages in local markets in a way that will be locally relevant. ICCO’s cross-agency, international strategic plan will be crucial to the success of our work. This is a long-term relationship that cultivated for the benefit of the planet.”

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