A citizens’ assembly is a group of people who are brought together to learn about and discuss an issue or issues, and reach conclusions about what they think should happen.
Citizens’ assemblies give members of the public the time and opportunity to learn about and discuss a topic. Participants hear from, and question, a wide range of specialists. These can include, for example, academics, researchers, people with direct experience of the issue, other stakeholders and campaigners. Through this process, they hear balanced evidence on the issue, before discussing what they have heard with one another and deciding what they think.
Citizens’ assemblies usually last for two or more weekends and have forty or more participants. Independent facilitators are there at all times to help ensure everyone’s voice is heard. The conclusions of the citizens’ assembly are written up in a report that is presented to decision-makers.
‘Deliberation’ is long and careful discussion crafted towards making a decision. Deliberative processes emphasise the importance of reflection and informed discussion in decision-making. This allows people to adopt more nuanced positions on the issues at hand, with a better understanding of the trade-offs inherent in a given decision.
For deliberation to be effective it is important that an appropriate amount of time is provided for people to familiarise themselves with the various aspects of a question. While people ought to be exposed to arguments representing contrary positions, they should also be given the time and resources to discuss and reflect on the issues away from the too-easy sloganising of political campaigning. The outcome of a deliberative process should be one in which people feel more able to make an informed decision on a given issue.
GLOBAL CITIZENS' ASSEMBLY
A future shaped by all of us
The Global Citizens’ Assembly brings people together to build trust, deliberate on shared challenges, and find common ground. Through inclusive, informed assemblies, it creates space for diverse voices to engage in thoughtful dialogue and shape ambitious, collective action.
Switzerland - political system - Federal Administration of Switzerland
Switzerland is governed under a federal system at three levels: the Confederation, the cantons and the communes. Thanks to direct democracy, citizens can have their say directly on decisions at all political levels.
DEMOCRACY INTERNATIONAL
Our Values
We believe democracy must start from the bottom up, rooted in the right of people everywhere to shape the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy International strengthens direct democracy and citizen participation locally, nationally and beyond borders. With our work, we support activists, connect reformers and spotlight democratic innovations around the world. As humanity becomes more informed and connected, our democratic systems must evolve in step.
GLOBAL ASSEMBLY
The mission of the 2021 Global Assembly was to give everyone on earth a seat at the global governance table.
The vision: to create a permanent global citizens’ assembly
...that by 2030 has over 10m annual participants, is recognised in improving our ability to tackle global issues such as climate change, health and inequality, is recognised by over 50% of the global population and is mostly funded by citizens’ donations.
EUROPEAN DEMOCRACY HUB
Getting Real About Citizens’ Assemblies: A New Theory of Change for Citizens’ Assemblies
DELIBERATIVE PRACTICE NETWORK
People’s Panel for Deliberative Democracy
A simple online tool for including thousands of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures in careful thinking about decisions that affect us all. Please join, participate and create a powerful example of applied deliberative democracy.
This project aims to show that thousands of citizens can be included in democratic decision-making which delivers sound practical outcomes.
Social issues are discussed in a deliberative fashion rather than decided via simple polling.
The Forum, Assembly or by the Ancient Greek name, Agora is a place for considered debate using
creative bespoke tools honed to support deliberative democracy and CITIZENS' ASSEMBLIES.
Starmer: who needs evidence and reason?
Trump: war is peace