UN Global Communications Head Speaks About Solutions Journalism

Melissa Fleming, under-secretary-general for global communications at the United Nations, shared her interest in solutions journalism at a recent Devex event in Washington, D.C.

"Our communication strategy is built around actually three W’s, which is what why care, what now," she said. "There is a saying, 'Statistics are human beings with the tears dried off.' So who are we trying to reach? Who needs to move the needle? And how are we going to get them to care?"

She discussed the formula the Solutions Journalism Network uses, "that keeps the rigor of journalism there," but also provides readers with a sense of optimism and agency.

"There's evidence that this works," she said. "If we're going to change the world, we need strong communications, and we need people on board."