Winter 2012 (#1)

The 2012 edition of Convergences focuses on the challenges of public communication in Europe, emphasizing the collaboration between EU institutions, member states, and candidate countries. The opening article discusses the role of the Club of Venice as a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices in government communication. The edition provides detailed reports from plenary sessions and workshops held in various European locations, including Gozo, Brussels, and Venice. Much attention is given to the impact of social media on government communication, exploring how digital platforms are shaping public interactions. Another key theme is open government and open data, discussing how public data access can increase transparency and accountability in government actions. The issue also addresses crisis communication, especially regarding political transformations in Arab countries. The Budva Declaration article highlights key principles for government communication, such as transparency, citizen engagement, and institutional neutrality. Additionally, the edition explores the importance of internal communication within government institutions, aiming to improve inter-departmental collaboration. The Club of Venice continues its efforts to enhance communication effectiveness through training and the sharing of knowledge. The Capacity Building article stresses the need for continuous education and professional development for public communicators. Finally, future initiatives are outlined to foster closer cooperation with the media and to leverage new technologies in communication.

Key Topics:

1. Club of Venice – The mission and activities of the Club as a forum for government communication professionals.
2. Public Diplomacy – Promoting openness and transparency in government communication.
3. Open Government and Open Data – Initiatives aimed at increasing public access to and reuse of public data.
4. Social Media and Government Communication – The role of social media in shaping government communication.
5. Crisis Communication – Strategies for government communication in times of crisis, with a focus on the Arab countries.
6. Capacity Building – Efforts to develop skills and competencies in government communication.
7. VeniceNet – The platform for sharing knowledge and documents among Club members.
8. The Budva Declaration – Principles of government communication in South-Eastern Europe.
9. Internal Communication – The importance of internal communication within government bodies.
10. EuroPCom 2012 – The 3rd edition of EuroPCom, focusing on communication with citizens and using new media tools.