Global Citizens’ Assemblies, based on random selection and demographic representation, are presented as a promising tool for generating inclusive policy recommendations. “There is robust experience now with citizens’ assemblies at the national and even the transnational level, with the EU’s Conference on the Future of Europe. This format should has incredible potential to make UN decision-making more inclusive and representative,” said Caroline Vernaillen, Lead Global Policy and Advocacy at Democracy International.
The study outlines that Global Citizens’ Assemblies can be convened by intergovernmental organizations, governments, and civil society actors to address international issues as “part of a growing ecosystem” spanning “across all levels”.
The report recommends that the UN General Assembly establish a permanent framework to enable UN bodies to convene citizens’ assemblies as needed. “As multilateralism and the UN are at a critical juncture, bold ideas are required to keep them on track and bolster their support globally,” said Andreas Bummel, Executive Director of Democracy Without Borders.
The study emphasizes that challenges can be overcome if the political will exists. Global Citizens’ Assemblies offer a credible, inclusive way to build public trust and improve the legitimacy and responsiveness of global governance, the report concludes.
“Citizen participation has been a central pillar of my administration,” said Renata Sene, former Mayor of Francisco Morato, São Paulo, Brazil, who authored the study’s foreword. “Empowering residents to deliberate on decisions that shape their lives, demonstrates not only a commitment to public oversight, but also the full realization of citizenship. Imagining this on a global level is a part of a democratic innovation that will help us build a more just, inclusive, and effective global governance system together.”
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More information
Full report; Download the PDF report
Webinar invitation
The report will be officially presented at a webinar on 8 May 2025. More details here.
Contact:
Caroline Vernaillen, Lead Global Policy and Advocacy, Democracy International, vernaillen@democracy-international.org
Websites:
Democracy International
Democracy Without Borders
