Challenge

A multilateral development bank (MDB) representing over 50 member countries sought to revamp its communication efforts to align with evolving priorities and strengthen its positioning as a thought leader. Over the past decade, its messaging had become fragmented, stakeholder engagement inconsistent, and its visibility in key regions diminished. The bank aimed to address these issues while enhancing its communication platforms, improving internal alignment, and developing a strategy to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.

Approach

The approach began with a thorough communication audit, analyzing both internal and external efforts. The audit revealed significant gaps, including fragmented messaging, lack of alignment with strategic goals, and underutilized digital platforms. It also highlighted opportunities to enhance visibility and thought leadership. Based on these insights, a comprehensive communication strategy was crafted. This strategy emphasized establishing the bank as a knowledge hub through flagship reports and global forums that addressed pressing development issues.

Tailored engagement plans were created for governments, private sector stakeholders, and member country representatives to ensure more targeted outreach. A digital transformation initiative was introduced, focusing on multilingual and region-specific content to increase engagement and accessibility. To address potential crises, a robust crisis communication framework was developed, including detailed protocols and media training for leadership. Internally, a unified messaging task force was created to ensure alignment across departments and enhance employee understanding of the bank’s priorities.