Many people feel that their voices are not being heard, despite a myriad of opportunities for citizens to contribute to public debate and policy. Policymakers are increasingly faced with complex policy issues that require careful trade-offs between the long and short term and across different groups in society. Meaningful citizen participation in policymaking is now critical.

Achieving meaningful citizen participation will require concerted action by adopting a strategic and targeted approach to citizen participation; lowering barriers to enable more inclusive participation; building capacity among both civil servants and citizens; and ensuring impact and accountability.

This report identifies systemic challenges for citizen participation facing citizens, elected representatives, civil servants and civil society, including: 

• the need for a shared understanding of the central role of citizen participation in the policy cycle
• coordination among public institutions within and across levels of governance
• alignment between the ‘front office’ and the ‘back office’ of public institutions
• ensuring accountability for citizen participation throughout the policy cycle.