1. The first discussion by the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in July 1998, called for preserving and enhancing the IMF's credibility, including by providing more information to the public, extending the .......... of IMF communications, and engaging critics more effectively.

2. A second Board discussion, in February 2000, considered plans to strengthen IMF external communications, including recommendations that they develop a strategy comprising a clearer message, .......... focus and improved coordination of the IMF's public output, and more proactive external communications.

3. The IMF's external communications strategy has also been shaped by Board decisions to expand .......... by publishing staff country reports (when the country concerned agrees) and many other Board documents, and Public Information Notices, shortly after Board discussions.

4. The Executive Directors took .......... of the progress achieved in recent years in increasing the IMF's openness and enhancing its responsiveness to outside views, including concerns and criticism.

5. Directors felt that the current relatively high media .......... of the IMF offers a valuable opportunity to enhance the implementation of its external communications strategy.

6. They observed that, although the work of the IMF — based on its .......... to safeguard the macroeconomic and monetary foundations of economic growth — is vital to economic welfare and rising living standards worldwide, much of its work tends to attract controversy.

7. This is not .......... because a prominent part of the IMF's job is to advise countries on how best to face economic reality in difficult circumstances, including when they need the IMF's financial support.

8. In this context, Directors considered that improving understanding of the IMF's work and respect for its competence, and enhancing the credibility of its policies, are key objectives of its communications — and .......... than increasing its popularity.

9. A continuing, concentrated effort to improve understanding of the institution will, over time, be valuable in increasing support for its work in member countries even if progress may seem .......... and modest.

10. In a similar .........., Directors called for continued efforts to enhance the communication skills of all IMF staff, which will be important not only for improved interactions with the public, but also for enhancing the learning culture of the institution more broadly.