Lesson Learned: Deliberative Democracy and Citizen Assemblies to Fight Inequality and Poverty in Brazil
The most successful Citizens’ Assemblies (CAs) take full account of local circumstances and contexts, and adapt accordingly – hence the different lottery selection techniques used by the Grantee in each of the three locations. Respecting key principles is more important than the methods used. The Brazilian experience of social participation in decision-making processes demonstrates the variety of tools and mechanisms available for this. In this project, the methodology used by Delibera/ReCoS is arguably more rigorous and inclusive than most other experiences in Brazil.
Working in collaboration with municipal governments and civil society, the project seeks to establish Citizen Assemblies in three cities in Brazil to facilitate public participation in policymaking to address poverty and inequality. Building on experience from Brazil and elsewhere, the aim is to demonstrate to public managers, political leaders and citizens alike the feasibility and value of open, inclusive deliberation to build sustainable and widely supported policy responses to complex issues. Results and lessons from the project’s three pilot efforts will be shared at national level. Increased cooperation among policymakers and civil society will address declining public political participation even as it contributes to more equitable and sustainable urban development. The project includes activities relevant to the Covid-19 crisis as it impacts civil society and ensuring that responses uphold their rights and are inclusive of their needs.