The Sustainable Development Communications Network (SDCN) was established in 1998 as a result of the desire of civil society organizations (CSOs) to take advantage of their mutual interests, distinct geographies and diverse skills by collaborating on communications activities. Its history is one of continuous learning and gradual expansion of membership and activities.

The objectives of the network include:

• To undertake joint communications activities to inform broader audiences about sustainable development.
• To build capacity among members to communicate sustainable development through new communications technologies, and broadly share the knowledge about how to use Internet communications technologies (ICTs) efficiently and effectively.
• To experiment with new communications technologies and to develop methods for their seamless integration with existing communications technologies.
• To provide a forum for network members to share experiences in the management of sustainable development communications.
• To inform each other about SD research and action underway within each organization.

The SDCN functions as a knowledge network. It is a virtual organization with limited membership and a formal governance structure, which functions in an open, collaborative manner. It maintains a focused mission and action agenda in order to improve its efficiency, but interacts with other networks and initiatives to ensure its effectiveness. It strives to add value to information to make it more relevant to decision-makers. The SDCN acknowledges the need for a clear communications strategy that raises public awareness, influences decision-makers and produces positive change in the world.

The network governance agreement outlines the responsibilities and benefits of network membership as well as its decision-making structure. The founding members of the SDCN serve as an executive committee to periodically review the governance agreement and to revise it to meet the needs of the members.