Citizens have a right to know the policies and activities of their government. In a
well-functioning democracy, the government provides reliable and timely information to the public.
Effective communications between the government and the public is especially important in countries in
transition, where major changes in state institutions - indeed in all aspects of life - have left the citizenry
uncertain about the new roles of the government and public administration, and how to convey their views
to representatives of the state. This publication comprises six papers presented at the seminar by five experts in
communications, three working in public administrations in Western Europe and Canada, and two
journalists based in Budapest. A background issues paper which sets the stage for seminar discussions
precedes these other papers. The annexes comprise sample codes of ethics for journalists and government
communicators.
