What a Development Topic Should Have

As development communicators-in-training, part of our job is the constant finding of development-oriented topics. As easy as it seems, it is not. Development has a wide scope that makes it hard for us to distinguish whether it is relevant or not. It is essential for us to recognize the characteristics of a development-oriented topic so that we can effectively discuss its strengths and weaknesses in our future writings. With the help of different articles and devcom subject slides that I read, I come up with the top three characteristics of a development-oriented topic.

Adheres to Sustainable Development Goals

A development topic should be of relation to the 17 sustainable development goals developed by the United Nations with a purpose of achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. Anchoring the topic with SDGs can effectively recognize its purpose.

Driven by its Purpose

In order for something to be recognized as a development oriented topic, it should serve its purpose. What is the purpose of the article? Why is it written? If you know the purpose of what you are doing, you have the mindset of establishing your goal towards development. And if it is driven with its purpose, it can lead to the empowerment of all.

Aligned with the 4Es

Empowerment. Equity. Entrepreneurship. Environmentalism. A development oriented topic should have the values and guiding principles of CDC. Development is always aligned with development communication so it’s essential to relate the 4Es in order to distinguish the purpose of development communication.