Volume 34, No. 2 (2023) of the Journal of Development Communication presents a compelling exploration of communication’s role in addressing critical social and developmental challenges. The issue opens with a call to action against gender-based violence, advocating for communication strategies to protect and empower the girl child. Another study examines the challenges of English-medium education in Sri Lanka’s state universities, highlighting linguistic and structural barriers in media and communication studies. A focus on Papua New Guinea underscores the importance of communication campaigns for sustainable resource development, illustrating how strategic messaging can drive environmental stewardship. Migration and sustainable development are critically analysed, revealing how biased framing hinders inclusive progress towards a sustainable future. Lastly, an investigation into Bangladeshi newspaper coverage critiques the silence around pressing development issues, exposing the elite-driven agenda shaping public discourse. Together, these articles underline the transformative power of communication in fostering equity, inclusion, and sustainable development.