Manual teaching leaders how to communicate

The Finance, Government, and International Relations Faculty introduced the “Manual de comunicación de gobierno: estrategias para proyectar las políticas públicas (Government Communication Manual: Strategies for designing public policies), with participation by Externado University professors and alumni.

With a heated debate on the role of current government officers and the media influence on politics as background, Roberto Hinestrosa, Finance, Government, and International Relations Faculty Dean, introduced the “#RecomendadoFigri” of the week, the  “Government Communication Manual: Strategies for designing public policies.”

The book seeks to provide those holding public offices, practical tools, of easy appropriation, to help them visualize their functions through strategic communication.

The groundwork for the publication, coordinated by Eugénie Richard, Finance, Government, and International Relations Professor-Researcher, and alumni, Angie González, now Faculty coordinator, began in 2016.

“2016 was a politically ‘hectic’ one: the year of Brexit, the election of Trump as President of the United States, and the “No” victory to the referendum. It seems we are in an increasingly evident divorce path between those in government and the ones being governed. More and more, there is less confidence in those who govern, and now, at this time of post-truth, the need for a manual to establish a dialogue between these two actors is undeniable,” stated Eugénie Richard.

During the debate, future generations of journalists were urged to analyze information thoroughly for different audiences.   Also highlighted were the challenges facing the Academia in training professionals capable of changing the current political landscape.

Also attending the event, were Jaime Polanco, well-known communications advisor for various Latin American corporations and institutions, and president of Latin Boost Group; and journalist Yesid Lancheros, current Press Secretary of the Bogotá Mayor’s Office.

The two guests answered questions from the audience and evaluated the role of the media and its obligation to inform as it directly relates to public opinion.

“We need more analytical communication models; citizens no longer have a passive attitude. The manner in which news is conveyed should be changed; the journalism challenges are to analyze further and harshly denounce corruption cases involving the current Government in Colombia,” stated Yesid Lancheros.