Re-Imagine Deliberative Democracy

PART II: Building Bridges for Shared Paths

14:00 – 16:00 CET
Online Workshop 

Expanding on the outcomes of the session hosted at Re-Imagine Europa’s Annual Forum in Lisbon this February, this second online workshop of ‘Re-Imagine Deliberative Democracy’ series will delve into practical strategies for reimagining an ideal democratic framework adapted to the demands of the 21st century, to foster deliberative and inclusive policymaking.

In today’s increasingly interconnected and digitalised world, where global challenges such as climate change and migration pose significant threats to democratic structures, citizen engagement emerges as a fundamental cornerstone for fostering resilient democracies. In our initial session, we pinpointed current challenges, identified shared values, and uncovered opportunities surrounding deliberative practices. By actively participating in democratic processes, citizens not only assert their rights but also contribute to the robustness and adaptability of our democratic systems.

This workshop will explore the essential infrastructures necessary to reshape the future of deliberative democracy in the short and long run. How can deliberative democracy adapt to accommodate the needs and preferences of future generations, particularly in the face of evolving political, social, environmental, and technological challenges?

From envisioning transformative learning mechanisms to exploring the ethical implications of digital tools, we will spark dynamic and interactive group discussions that will centre around crafting a unified vision and concrete proposals, considering three key perspectives: (i) the balance between top-down and bottom-up approaches; (ii) the scalability of proposed solutions; and (iii) the integration of digital solutions, with a particular emphasis on the role of AI.

The ideas emerging from this discussion will be integrated in the ongoing ORBIS research and serve as guiding insights for Re-Imagine Europa in its ongoing collaborative efforts with key representatives and policymakers of the EU institutions, ensuring that citizens remain central in the policy-making process as we navigate the next EU mandate.

Read the Report of  PART I – Deliberation 2044: ‘A Foresight Journey into Democratic Futures’

Agenda

PLENARY SESSION 
14:00 – 14:10 – Welcome and Intro to the Workshop

WORKING GROUPS
14:10 – 15:00 – Exercise 1: Beyond the Surface: Painting Visions on Canva
15:00 – 15:50 – Exercise 2: Amplifying Our Vision: Scaling Strategies in the Digital Age

PLENARY SESSION
15:50 – 16:00 – Reporting and Steps Forward