Democracy has existed for a long time, but the 21st century has brought about unprecedented changes and challenges. Have you ever wondered how democracy can be transformed to better fit the needs of the new century? What would you read in the news about deliberation in policymaking in 20 years?
On April 16, Re-Imagine Europa hosted the second workshop of the ‘Re-Imagine Deliberative Democracy‘ series, titled Building Bridges for Shared Paths, that aimed to explore exactly that. Expanding on the outcomes of the session held at RIE’s Annual Forum in Lisbon this February, over 25 high-level representatives and experts from different backgrounds and institutions worked together to rethink an ideal democratic framework, fostering deliberative and inclusive policymaking.
From envisioning transformative learning mechanisms to exploring the ethical implications of digital tools, participants explored various aspects of crafting a unified vision and concrete proposals.
The first part of the online session focused on reimagining an ideal scenario for deliberation at the local level in 20 years. Through dynamic and interactive group discussions, participants pondered which type of structures, actors, and processes would be in place, as well as the symbols of the new reality. They deeply reflected on the shared values previously identified, where the need for inclusivity and diversity strongly emerged as the key elements to ensure that all voices are heard and to generate innovative solutions to modern challenges. The role of education in familiarizing citizens with democratic values and the importance of deliberation was widely shared and linked to innovative proposals.
The images, songs, and metaphors mentioned to represent the co-created scenario were both diverse and original. They ranged from the intricate beauty of a mosaic and the complexity of a honeycomb to the harmonious blend of a polyphonic song, where different voices intersect, creating a captivating harmony. This is akin to the harmony required in singing, where attentive listening is paramount for excellence.
In the second part of the workshop, attendees reflected on the scaling mechanisms that could be applied to the common vision and how technology, in particular AI tools, could enable such processes. How can deliberative initiatives foster learning and knowledge exchange among diverse participants? How can they transform the institutions directly involved? How can deliberative democratic initiatives reach broader audiences and be replicated in diverse contexts?
These were some of the research questions that guided the discussion. As a result, deliberation embraced technological advancement as an enabler for reaching out to people and simplifying processes for larger-scale mechanisms. Special emphasis was placed on exploring the integration of digital solutions, particularly the role of AI, in enhancing deliberative democracy while also addressing ethical concerns, ensuring transparency, and mitigating the risk of reinforcing existing biases.
The high level of engagement and constructive approach shown by the participants in finding a common path was remarkable. The insightful discussions and exchange of ideas made the workshop an enriching experience for all involved. The results generated will be invaluable in shaping the ongoing ORBIS research and the efforts of Re-Imagine Europa in collaborative endeavours with key representatives and policymakers of the EU institutions.
The next workshop of the series ‘Beyond Talk: Action Steps for Europe’s Future‘ is scheduled on Tuesday, May 28th – from 13:30 to 16:00 (CET). It will focus on translating these visions into actionable strategies for EU institutions and policymakers. Drawing upon the insights and perspectives gained throughout the previous sessions, participants will be invited to jointly craft actionable recommendations for the future of Europe.
Overall, this workshop series provides a vital platform for experts to collectively envision the future of deliberative democracy. By exploring practical strategies and addressing the challenges posed by the 21st century, participants have laid the groundwork for a more resilient, inclusive, and adaptive democratic framework. The time for change is now, and we must embrace these insights to create a better future for all.
For further reading, you can access the reports:
