Introduction

As governance systems are failing to address some of society’s most pressing issues and trust between citizens and government is faltering, Citizens’ Assemblies embody the potential of democratic renewal. They create the democratic spaces for everyday people to grapple with the complexity of policy issues, listen to one another, and find common ground. In doing so, they create the conditions to overcome polarisation and strengthen societal cohesion. They bring out the collective intelligence of society — the principle that many diverse people will come to better decisions than more homogenous groups.

OECD research has shown that well-designed Citizens’ Assemblies help public decision makers take hard decisions and enhance trust, because they:

There is no time to waste. The latest V-Dem report has found that advances in global levels of democracy made over the last 35 years have dropped to what they have been in 1986, with 72% of the world’s population living in autocracies by 2022. The 2023 Eldeman Trust Barometer found government to be the least trusted institution (50%) compared to businesses (62%) and NGOs (59%).

Amongst the general population, support for Assemblies selected by lottery is high and rising. The 2020 Pew Global Attitudes Survey in France, the UK, the US, and Germany found that, on average, 77% of respondents from the four countries think that it is important for governments to create Citizen Assemblies where citizens debate issues and make recommendations about national laws. The 2021 Sciences Po Political Trust Barometer, covering France, Germany, the UK, and Italy, found that a majority (ranging from 55-71%) think that governments should be obliged to implement recommendations made by Citizens’ Assemblies.

At the heart of a Citizens’ Assembly there are three central principles at work.

Find more examples:

Everyday people taking part in Citizens’ Assemblies report increased understanding of other people’s perspectives, deeper understanding of public decision making, stronger efficacy and belief in their capabilities to be active citizens. In many cases it really is a life-changing experience.

Hear from Assembly Members themselves: