Communications for Development is about dialogue, participation and the sharing of knowledge and information. It takes into account the needs and capacities of all concerned. This report documents the contributions and outcomes of the Ninth United Nations Inter-Agency Roundtable on Communications for Development which took place in Rome, Italy, from 6-9 September 2004. The Roundtable, attended by some 130 participants from around the world, focused on Sustainable Development, with three specific thematic areas: communication and natural resource management; communication for isolated and marginalized groups; and communication in research, extension and education.

A redefinition of Communications for Development is necessary within the context of the 21st century, bearing in mind the new political and media landscape, especially regarding the rural digital divide and other emerging issues related to development.