Reflections on the International SBCC Summit 2022: World’s largest gathering of SBC practitioners

24 Dec 2022: It’s been a fortnight since the International #SBCCSummit* successfully concluded. A great event to meet colleagues and friends after a long break (Tx. to #COVID19 and to network and learn from other development professionals – 1,600 of them in one space.

Here’s my take on this year’s Summit:

1. Climate Action is something everyone else can contribute, especially SBC professionals – as - at the end of the day, it is all about Behaviour Change. And WE – have a significant role to play.

2. Evidence – Evidence – Evidence is significant. Behavioural Science has gained much prominence to guide interventions which makes a huge difference to results and the communities we serve.

3. Scale - One may have the best innovations in behaviour change but the BIG Q – can it be taken to scale and sustain?

4. Learning from failing - SBC programmes we design, implement and monitor does not ALL necessarily have to be successful. Perhaps some sessions like a Failure Festival could be included in the next one to learn from failures; how we applied the lessons to ensure it does not happen again – could be a worthwhile idea.

5. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is coming big, thick and fast even in the field of SBC. It will be interesting to see how quickly and pragmatically we can customise it to enhance community engagement, especially in remote communities.

6. We may have the best SBC tools and techniques for a project. But Advocacy is still a key component to strengthen. Because without the govt. buy-in, it will always be a pilot initiative.

7. Edutainment (Education – Entertainment) still works. The important point to look at – is the amplification strategy beyond National TV and into the BIG world of online channels and OTT – for better uptake, reach and penetration.

8. We saw a lot of great examples in SBC and RCCE (Risk Communications and Community Engagement) across the development community in the COVID19 response. How can we apply and sustain these best practices in our development programming?

FINALLY, the Summit was a lucky charm for Morocco taking them to the semis of #FifaWorldCup for the first time. Lucky to be part of the amazing energy and celebrations.

Till the next Summit. #SBCWorks

*Social and Behaviour Change Summit