We have passed the half-way point of the Millennium Development Goals, yet it is almost certain that many countries will fail to reach them. One of the reasons is that policymakers are neglecting the central role of information, communication and the media for successful development.

This report shows that open, transparent and participatory information and communication processes form the lifeblood of politics and good governance; are central to the creation of healthy, vibrant civil societies; and are an essential part of efficient, more equitable economic growth.

Many governments and development organisations talk about the importance of participation and ownership by poor and marginalised people, and the vital role of the media in creating more inclusive debate. But we believe this has yet to be fully reflected in their policies and approaches.

Panos London sets out an agenda for action that calls on governments and development agencies to:

- Build more open, transparent information and communication systems and political cultures
- Treat information, communication and the media as ‘public goods’ and invest accordingly
- Take a holistic view of communication processes and integrate communications into development planning and implementation
- Invest more resources into media development

You can download At the heart of change – together with more in-depth resources on communication for development – from www.panos.org.uk/heartofchange