From climate change to democratic backsliding and inequality, today’s crises demand more than ad hoc consultation, they require institutions that embed citizen voice into decision-making. In this DRGHub conversation, Professor Graham Smith will share insights on how countries are experimenting with permanent citizens’ assemblies, participatory budgeting, and leveraging existing or creating new agencies for public engagement. We’ll discuss what it takes to move beyond pilots and projects, and how mainstreaming participation can build the democratic capacity needed to confront our toughest global challenges.

Graham Smith is Professor of Politics at the Centre for the Study of Democracy. He is founding Chair of the Knowledge Network on Climate Assemblies (KNOCA), advancing the impact of citizens’ assemblies on climate governance. His influential books include Democratic Innovations and We Need To Talk About Climate, and he has been named one of Apolitical’s Top 100 Most Influential Academics in Government.

Join Zoom Meeting by using the following link

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83442128217?pwd=bHfBADUI4shiLKemhjAjgeaTbFnYgv.1

Meeting ID: 834 4212 8217

Passcode: 410836