Unfortunately, we have to inform you that the SBCC Summit in Morocco has been postponed due to COVID-19. The C4D Network has been super excited, but now we are looking forward to seeing everybody in October.
Here is the official statement by the Secretariat to the International SBCC Summit 2020:
“As you are all aware, COVID-19 is continuing to spread in new places across the globe. Given the latest WHO guidance, the unpredictable nature of the virus and the growing number of travel restrictions in place, the Secretariat has made the extremely difficult decision to postpone this month’s 2020 International Social and Behavior Change Communication Summit in Morocco.
We are deeply disappointed by this turn of events, as we are sure you must be, but know it is the right thing to do at this time. This decision was made in consultation with the Ministry of Health in Morocco. Travel has become increasingly difficult and it’s uncertain what the situation will be four weeks from now. Apart from protecting the health of the Summit participants, we know that many of you, as part of the public health community working in communication, are needed in your home countries as you prepare for your responses to the outbreak.
As we shift gears towards a new date, hopefully in October, we want to express our deepest gratitude to those who’ve been on deck over the past year helping to plan the Summit and to the entire community for your enthusiasm and engagement in making plans to attend. We are confident that, by postponing, we will ensure we have the full weight and dynamism of the SBCC community with us when we do convene in Marrakech.
Our staff in the U.S. and in Morocco are working with hotels to transfer reservations to the new date. We’re sure you will have additional questions, and we have updated the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Summit website to address concerns you may have. Thankfully, aside from the actual changes to travel, most of the Summit program and plans can be easily shifted to the new dates. The Secretariat will of course continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated as plans for the new dates move forward.
This is not a decision taken lightly, but we trust you will appreciate how important the safety and well-being of attendees is to everyone involved in the planning of this event. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this challenging situation. Stay safe and well and we look forward to seeing you in Morocco.”