The worldwide debate was initiated to encourage citizen participation at a global level on key issues, including climate change, as we believe this can add value to international negotiations. The project had two aims: demonstrate that deliberations at this scale are possible, and help set up a participatory process at the Paris Agreements to include citizens. This debate also follows the spirit of Article 6 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which encourages governments to promote “Public participation in addressing climate change and its effects and developing adequate responses.” WWViews on Climate and Energy has been the largest global citizen consultation in history, and has proven that this process is not only possible, but yields relevant results. The objective was to give a voice to citizens from around the world during the Paris negotiations.
Methods
WWViews was based on 4 cornerstones:
- launching a coalition to coordinate and fund the project and ensure that it is included in the official negotiation process.
- deploying, in as many countries as possible, a day of deliberations following the same template.
- implementing an impact strategy in order to influence negotiations.
- a training and follow-up program for all national partners leading dialogue in the various countries.
The day of deliberations itself was divided into 4-5 thematic sessions. Each thematic session begins with an introductory video, and every citizen was asked to answer a multiple choice questionnaire. Groups of 5-8 citizens debated before providing their answers, with the support of a facilitator at each table. At the end of each session, each citizen cast an individual vote.
As the meetings progressed, results were coded on an online platform for immediate publication. This platform made it possible to compare results within a country but also between countries and groups.
Outcomes
The WWViews debate provides data on informed opinions of citizens around the world for international negotiations. It makes it possible for decision-makers and those who will be impacted by such decisions to create dialogue, and offers a long-term vision outside national barriers or election cycles. Unlike traditional polls, it produces qualitative data that identify key issues and reveal citizens’ expectations. The credible results provide political players with a concrete basis for dialogue with their national and international colleagues and increase public awareness of the stakes and opportunities. The debate also gives citizens an opportunity to play an active role in decision-making processes and lends more legitimacy and transparency to global governance.
Further information
From January 2013 to December 2016. The Debate was launched by Missions Publiques at the end of 2013, and was co-led by Missions Publiques, Particip-Action, the Danish Board of Technology Foundation, the board of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the French National Commission for Public Debate (Commission Nationale du Débat Public, CNDP). The project was supported by an international commission of high-level players.
Driverless mobility is believed to be a major technological, economic and social revolution over the next few years. However, the voice of citizens remains largely ignored although it is increasingly important to bringing a sense of trust within our nations. To address this problem, we have worked with several partners to launch an international citizen dialogue on driverless vehicles, enabling non-expert citizens to express their views and make contributions to this complex issue. This initiative was successful in France and has since been replicated on a global scale alongside a coalition of international partners.
Methods
The exploratory phase was run in 2018, in five French cities and two US cities. In 2019, seventeen areas in nine countries also organized a second series of deliberations involving creating scenarios, discussing trust and policy. The third dialogue phase kicked off in 2020 and 2021, in Europe, North and South America, Oceania, Asia and Africa. The protocol for the dialogue was built by experts and public and private partners, and was tested and approved in various contexts and extended generally through partnerships that were built and nurtured over time.
To ensure high-quality dialogue, Missions Publiques trained over 20 national partners in citizen dialogue methods globally, creating a community of players. This new approach is a powerful starting point for richer conversations about driverless vehicles for private mobility companies and public authorities.
Outcomes
The outcomes of the consultation show that citizens have mixed feelings about autonomous mobility, with some wariness surrounding the technology, but they are also curious about it and interested in its potential benefits. Participants highlighted several concerns, such as safety, regulations, the impact on the environment and society, as well as responsibilities in the event of an accident involving an autonomous vehicle.
Further information
From January 2018 to December 2021, alongside many partners (groupings of conurbations of Sophia Antipolis and La Rochelle, the Grand Paris Seine & Oise urban community, as well as Rennes Métropole and Toulouse Métropole. The French Ministry of Ecological and Social Transition and companies including Autonomy, Airbus, Allianz, Kéolis and Vinci, through its Léonard institute).
Be a part of a decentralized, massive deliberation that will actively engage citizens worldwide in shaping ocean governance. In collaboration with Missions Publiques, CSPO, and Make.org, we’re committed to addressing the challenges our ocean faces through participation and deliberation.
Why this? Why now?
The ocean isn’t just teeming with life and biodiversity; it’s a lifeline that sustains our planet. Often described as the “lung of humanity,” it’s indispensable for our survival. Yet, our ocean is in grave danger. We stand at a pivotal moment, as the BBNJ treaty signals a clarion call for a radical shift in governance—a historic milestone! Our actions today will determine the future of our most precious resource and the fate of generations to come.
In response to this urgent call, the Global Citizens’ Dialogue on the Ocean empowers citizens worldwide to actively participate in shaping the future of ocean governance, fostering inclusivity, accountability, and the preservation of our planet’s ocean for generations to come.
“Let us strive to deliver on an agreement that will be fair, balanced, implementable and which will attract universal participation“
Rena Lee, Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues and Intergovernmental Conference President
Our mission
- Universal Participation: We pledge to engage the voices of citizens worldwide, representing diverse perspectives from all 5 continents, all educational background, gender and age, and ensuring that they play an integral role in shaping ocean governance. We believe that the decisions about the future of the ocean, its protection, preservation as well as its just and ethical management should involve voices from every corner of the world.
- Propose 50+ concrete recommendations on 5 specific issues: We empower global citizens to actively contribute their perspectives and visions to influence decisions that will impact today’s humanity and future generations. The issues at stake are currently being discussed by a prefiguration of a Scientific Committee.
- Impact Ocean Governance: at all levels: By engaging citizens, we aim to influence high-stakes decisions and create an ocean governance model that is more inclusive, accountable, and sustainable. We aim for the final report of the Dialogue to be presented by citizens at UNOC 2025 in Nice and serve as a reference for discussions and decision-making at the conference. It will highlight the citizens’ priorities and concrete recommendations to enhance ocean protection on the long-run. Major issues and controversies will be at the core of the process.
A decentralized process to engage all 5 continents
A decentralized method towards global participation
Our approach is rooted in decentralization, made possible by our robust network of local partners spanning 100 countries. These partners are poised and prepared to conduct in-person dialogues tailored to their respective regions, languages, and cultural contexts. This is how we ensure that the often marginalized voices significantly contribute to shaping the recommendations for a better future, even without an internet connection.
Concrete recommendations
Our goal is to capture citizen recommendations through decentralized dialogues across more than 100 countries, complemented by a large-scale, multilingual online consultation. This approach ensures diversity and inclusion, as we bring together a wide spectrum of participants, including indigenous communities, youth, and civil society.
With key inputs from indigenous people
Our protocols extend an invitation indigenous people who have a profound and centuries-old relationship with the ocean. Their traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, offers unique insights into ocean ecosystems and sustainable practices. By including these voices, we honor their wisdom and contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to ocean governance.
Join the Dialogue
To explore sponsorship opportunities, to become a member of our Scientific Committee, Governance Committee or Impact Committee, or a local partner, please contact us now.
By partnering with us, you are making Ocean governance more participatory, more inclusive and more just for today and tomorrow.
ParticipAction and the Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes at Arizona State University (CSPO) support the Global Citizen Dialogue on the Ocean, initiated by Missions Publiques. Make.org is a collaborator on the mass consultation phase.