As the challenges of protecting the environment and building a sustainable future increase, the role of citizens in decision-making is becoming increasingly important. One of the most effective ways to engage the public in action is through the process of citizen deliberation.
Citizen Deliberation: what is it?
Citizen Deliberation is a process in which a selected group of citizens have the opportunity to discuss complex social or political issues together. As part of the process, participants have the opportunity to hear different points of view, gain expertise and discuss, with the goal of ultimately reaching agreement on key issues. This is an important tool for building trust between citizens and institutions and for including the public’s voice in decision-making.
Supporting a sustainable future: why does it matter?
There is a growing awareness of the urgent need for action on sustainable development. Climate change, decline in biodiversity, crises in the availability of natural resources are just some of the problems that require a comprehensive approach to the cooperation of various sectors of society. Citizen deliberation plays a key role here. It enables citizens to participate in the joint solution of these problems, which increases the chances of acceptance and effectiveness of the actions taken.
Advantages of citizen deliberation for a sustainable future:
Better solutions: Collaborative thinking and discussion can lead to creative and effective solutions. Citizens can bring new insights to problematic issues, which can lead to alternative options.