In an age of unprecedented technological progress and shifting societal landscapes, the way citizens engage in democratic processes is transforming rapidly. The upcoming OECD Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy offers a pivotal opportunity to delve into these dynamic changes and pioneer innovative strategies for a stronger democratic future.
Many individuals feel marginalized in governmental decision-making processes, leading to a widespread skepticism about the government's capacity to tackle complex, multi-generational challenges. This sense of disenfranchisement undermines trust in democratic institutions. Addressing this issue is crucial for reinforcing the foundations of our democracies.
One of the most promising avenues for enhancing citizen participation is the strategic use of technology. Digital platforms can facilitate more inclusive and accessible forums for public discourse, allowing citizens from diverse backgrounds to voice their opinions and influence policy. For instance, online town halls and digital petitions can democratize participation, ensuring that even those in remote areas or with mobility issues can engage actively in democratic processes.
Looking ahead to 2050, several long-term trends will shape the future of citizen participation. Firstly, the integration of artificial intelligence in public governance could streamline administrative processes, making governments more responsive and transparent. Secondly, the rise of social media as a tool for political mobilization will likely continue, albeit with a greater emphasis on protecting and fostering information integrity and constructive dialogue.
A significant threat to democratic engagement is gender-based disinformation, which disproportionately affects women and undermines their participation in public life. Gender-based disinformation campaigns often target female politicians and activists with false or misleading information, aiming to discredit them and discourage their involvement in politics. Combatting this issue is not just a fight against gender-based violence but also a crucial struggle for democracy itself. Without the full participation of women, democracy is incomplete. Gender-based disinformation affects women in public life, including parliamentarians, candidates, and activists, undermining their credibility and discouraging them from political engagement. Robust measures are needed to ensure that all voices, particularly those of women, are heard and respected in the public sphere.
To build trust and resilience in our democracies, we must adopt new approaches to citizen participation. Encouraging local governments to implement participatory budgeting processes, allowing citizens to directly influence how public funds are allocated, is one such approach. Establishing citizens' assemblies that bring together a representative sample of the population to deliberate on key policy issues and provide informed recommendations to policymakers is another. Additionally, investing in civic education programs that equip citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to engage effectively in democratic processes is crucial.
This forward-thinking approach aligns with the broader context of enhancing civil society participation on a global scale. The concept note and terms of reference for opening up the dialogue towards establishing a Civil Society Envoy highlight the importance of civil society organizations (CSOs) in promoting meaningful participation within the United Nations, a space traditionally dominated by high-level decision-makers. Despite their close contact with citizens, CSOs face significant challenges in achieving meaningful participation at the UN. According to a 2018 report by the International Service for Human Rights, practices such as postponement of applications for ECOSOC consultative status, denial of access to UN premises during high-level meetings for "security reasons," preliminary review of materials presented at UN meetings, and interruptions of oral statements persist, limiting civil society's ability to cooperate with the UN effectively.
In the context of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, celebrated in December 2023, and the ongoing efforts to establish a civil society legacy, it is essential to engage a wide range of activists, civil society representatives, government officials, and private companies. By doing so, we can elevate the work of civil society and secure their participation in global decision-making processes on key governance issues through actionable recommendations. The importance of civil society in promoting and protecting human rights was underscored by Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif, who emphasized that “civil society must be heard if we truly want to uphold the principles of universality and indivisibility in practice: first, because the process of inclusion and meaningful participation matters in and of itself, and second because looking at how decisions impact the human dignity of the people affected, ensures ownership.”
Citizen participation in the policy cycle is a multifaceted process that involves various stages: agenda-setting, policy formulation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation. Citizens today demand greater involvement at each of these stages, reflecting a shift from traditional service delivery roles to more active engagement. The OECD's 2022 guidelines define citizens broadly as individuals inhabiting a particular place, regardless of their legal status. This inclusive definition underscores the need to adapt democratic institutions to meet evolving citizen demands for voice, equity, and dignity.
The ongoing challenges to effective citizen participation, such as declining voter turnout, polarized public debate, and the proliferation of superficial participation initiatives, call for a renewed focus on meaningful engagement. Aligning the "front office" and "back office" of democratic governance is essential to support effective citizen participation. Core functions of public administration, such as budgeting, procurement, and digital services, must be designed to facilitate citizen engagement.
By embracing technology, fostering inclusive dialogue, and implementing participatory practices, we can build a more resilient and trustworthy democratic system. It is also imperative to ensure that gender equality is at the forefront of these efforts, as true democracy cannot be achieved without the full and equal participation of women. Combatting gender disinformation and ensuring women's voices are heard in all aspects of public life is not only a fight for gender equality but a fundamental pillar of a robust democracy. Together, we can break new ground for the future of democracy, creating systems that are inclusive, responsive, and resilient for generations to come.
2024 OECD Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy
This blog is part of a collection of opinion pieces that showcases diverse perspectives on the new frontiers of citizen participation, from thought leaders and practitioners across national and local government, academia, business, trade unions, and civil society. It offers insights and inspiration for discussions at the 2024 Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy, and future multidisciplinary work at the OECD.
The Global Forum takes place in Milan, Italy, 21-22 October 2024. Register to follow the discussions online: https://www.oecd-events.org/global-forum-on-democracy/en
This blog article should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its Member countries. The opinions expressed and arguments employed are those of the authors.
