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A small but growingtrend of more permanent citizens’ assembly infrastructure is emerging thatmoves us beyond common ad hoc assembly processes. A small number of these permanent assembly infrastructures are specifically climate focused, although most have a broader policy agenda. ‘From Projects to Permanence’ is the first guidance on how to move from ad hoc processes to embed permanent citizens’ assembly infrastructure.
The guidance distinguishes between two different approaches to permanent infrastructure. The East Belgium Permanent Citizens’ Dialogue is the most well-known example, empowered to work on any area of policy that falls within the competence of the regional government. The permanent assemblies in the Brussels Capital Region and, more recently, South Korea follow a similar pathway within climate governance. An alternative approach is the creation of a permanent specialised agency or unit that delivers ad hoc citizens’ assemblies or similar deliberative processes. Examples range from the Agency for Public Participation in Baden-Württemberg through to the Regional Participation Agency in Tuscany.
The guidance considers why we should be interested in permanent bodies and the different approaches that have been taken. It then analyses the conditions that need to be in place for permanency, including key design choices, political commitment and support, bureaucratic capacity and capability, legal framework, and narratives and storylines.
The Knowledge Network on Climate Assemblies (KNOCA) aims to improve the commissioning, design, implementation and impact of climate assemblies, using evidence, knowledge exchange and dialogue. We are an active community of policy makers, practitioners, activists, researchers and other actors with experience and interest in climate assemblies who co-create activities and knowledge.
