The HDR Timeline outlines key steps in the Human Development Report Process and it serves as a companion to the HDR Toolkit. The Timeline is intended to provide recommendations for the sequencing of the many different processes involved in producing and advocating HDRs. Another important aim of the Timeline is to identify steps for strong integration of an outreach and communications strategy throughout the process. The Timeline is also available in French and Spanish. Click to print PDF version in English, French and Spanish.



 
 
Theme Selection Resource Mobilization Building the Team Training and Orientation Communications Strategy
Undertake a consultative process for selecting the theme involving:
• a review of previous HDRs and their impact;

• brainstorming with national policymakers and key stakeholders, and reviewing national strategies and policies; and

• in-house UNDP and wider UN discussions.

Prepare a concept note to focus consultations. Address data issues relevant to theme(s) under consideration.

Themes of vital national concern tend to spark maximum interest and debate.
Hold consultations with potential partners on the concept note, and the possibilities for their involvement and funding. Partners could include government(s), UN agencies, regional development banks, bilaterals, private sector concerns and others.

Consider segmenting funding proposals according to donor interest-research, outreach, etc.

Write a project document. Include activities and funding to address data gaps.

Revisit resource mobilization opportunities once the HDR is finalized for potential funding of programmes/projects based on the report's recommendations.
Establish inclusive partnership mechanisms, such as:
• a policy steering committee;

• a content advisory committee;

• a readers' group for technical expertise;

• a focal point and follow-up group for advocacy and communications;

• other consultations, workshops and electronic networks; and

• complementary links with MDG report processes and poverty reduction strategies.

The steering committee selects core authors or a lead institution.

Select professional content editor(s) and proof-reader(s), with seperate teams for multiple languages.

Look for representation from diverse perspectives and sectors, and actively seek gender balance.

Consider involving select media as substantive partners.

Assign a coordinator to monitor production deadlines.

Establish information sharing through regular meetings, networks, a master file of core documents, etc.
Provide training for core authors, partners and UNDP staff on the HDR's theme and on human development concepts, measurements and policy applications.

Consider training on writing skills, as appropriate.

Establish a 'house style' for chapter outline format, spelling, references, etc.

Draw on NHDR resources available at http://hdr.undp.org/en/nhdr/.
Design an outreach and communications strategy, including the identification of target audiences, a media plan and indicators of success in reaching target audiences.

For outreach:
• enlist those involved in the HDR's content to shape and implement a follow-up strategy;

• build alliances with institutions working on HDR theme(s) for dissemination and advocacy; and

• initiate partnerships with a commercial publisher (if possible) and with UN publications.

Begin working with the media by:
• initiating contacts with key media figures interested in the HDR's theme; and

• assembling broad media lists.
Approximate Timing: UPTO 6 MONTHS
UNDP's Role: Act as lead coordinator and facilitator. Bring diverse partners to the process. Mobilize resources.
 
 
Research First Full Draft Draft for External Review Final Draft
Hold a brainstorming meeting to further develop the concept note.

Create detailed chapter outlines, including proposed chapter structures, main headings and length.

Undertake literature reviews and commission background research, case studies and surveys. Research should capture the perspectives of those who are traditionally excluded.

Identify data needs from quantitative and qualitative sources.

Collaborate with statistical entities to explore useful levels of data disaggregation and innovative measurement approaches.

Share the report's outline with the global HDR network:
hdr-net@groups.undp.org.

Draw on UNDP experiences and experts.
Produce chapter drafts that:
• analyse the theme through a human development lens;

• investigate root causes of constraints to human development;

• build synergy between analysis and data;

• capture peoples' perspectives and voices;

• explore alternative approaches;

• draw on the experiencies of other countries; and

• consider international policies that constrain national choices.

Begin preparation and/or commissioning of text boxes, graphs, tables, etc.

Keep track of all references and data sources consulted.

Share first draft with advisors and experts. Meet with advisors, background paper authors, readers, etc. as needed.
Incorporate feedback from consultations.

Fill in research gaps and sharpen arguments and key messages.

Make connections among chapters, and between the thematic analysis and statistical tables.

Tailor writing style to the target audiences.

Share this draft with key experts, statistical specialists and stakeholders to discuss content, check facts and test messages. A stakeholder workshop may be useful.
Incorporate feedback from consultations.

Contract editor(s) and designer(s) to ensure HDR language and style powerfully reinforce the report's messages.

Summarize HDR recommendations in one place.

Prepare 'front and back matter' including:
• the preface, overview, acknowledgements, etc.;

• a description of the HDR preparation process;

• sources for all data; and

• technical notes and definitions.

Undertake a peer review. All HDR's must be reviewed by two to three reviewers not involved in HDR writing or research. Ensure at least one reviewer is a gender expert.

If relevant, organize a statistical review with technical experts to check for accuracy and methodological rigour.









Approximate Timing: 6-9 MONTHS
UNDP's Role: Participate as a member of the steering committee. Contribute substantively to HDR.
Ensure HDR research and ideas feed into UNDP work. Lead peer review process.
 
 
The Final Product
Text:
• Present data and messages clearly and creatively, with varied use of text boxes, graphics, messages and data.

• Copyeditor(s) should check text consistency, and ALL facts and data.

• Translate report into other languages as necessary.

Design:
• Tailor report design to target readership.

• Create a cover that grabs attention.

Miscellaneous:
• Ensure the year of the launch is the year on the report's cover.

• Provide information on how to access the hard copy and online versions of the HDR.













Approximate Timing:6-10 WEEKS
(longer for full translation)
 
UNDP's Role:Ensure adherence to deadlines.
Finance and coordinate.
 
 
Media and Communications Launch and Outreach Strategy Marketing and Dissemination Monitoring and Assessing Impact
Fine-tune strategy and identify final messages.

Develop press materials such as a press kit, op-eds, videos, CD's, etc.

Press materials should avoid jargon. They should clearly and concisely present key messages, data and statistics.

Provide training for media spokespeople on media interview skills.

Create events to brief print, radio, TV and electronic media.

Draw on all HDR contributors for communications efforts.

Provide media materials and background information online. Put the HDR online by launch day.
Implement an outreach strategy to promote the HDR's messages based on desired development actions and policy changes.

Plan the report launch(es). Events can take many forms, such as press conferences, policy seminars, public debates, a traveling caravan, etc.

Consider outreach:
• outside the capital, and outside the country–external policies can constrain national choices;

• with special groups such as policy makers, civil society organizations, youth, etc.;

• through the education system and universities; and

• through instruments such as songs, videos, contests, 'plain language' versions, etc.

Ensure HDR findings influence UNDP, UN and other donor programming.

Develop and interactive Internet site to stimulate debate and share resources.

If launch is a press event, keep speakers to 3 maximum.
Work with a commercial publisher or short-term expert to market the HDR, developing such components as:
• a brochure;

• a catalogue listing;

• advertising in relevant publications;

• reviews of the HDR;

• placement in bookstores;

• online sales; etc.

Assign the copyright owner (according to national laws) and develop a procedure for granting reprint permission.

When selling commercially, obtain an ISBN. (http://isbn-international.org)

Disseminate the HDR widely.
Develop a method to gather feedback from target audience(s).

Monitor the report's influence on policies, plans, legislation, budget allocations, parliamentary debates, public discussions, NGO advocacy, data collection, educational curricula, etc.

Monitor public debate and media coverage.
Approximate Timing: ONGOING UNTIL NEXT REPORT
UNDP's Role: Develop outreach, advocacy and communications strategies with partners. Initiate campaigns and activities.
Oversee preparation of materials. Train spokespeople.