The case for engaging marginalised and underrepresented groups in decision-making

The environmental crisis we face today is a complex and pressing issue that requires urgent action. To build a more sustainable and equitable future for Europe, we need to involve all citizens, including those from marginalized and underrepresented groups, in the decision-making process.

The REAL DEAL project aims to create a community of Europeans who are taking action to build a new model of environmental citizenship for Europe, where citizens are placed at the heart of the decision-making process.

As part of this effort, we hosted a discussion to explore how to involve and engage marginalized and underrepresented groups in participatory democracy around the European Green Deal.

Experts and practitioners shared their insights and experiences and generated concrete ideas for how to ensure that everyone's voices are heard in the development of environmental policies and strategies.

To best involve marginalised and underrepresented groups in participatory democracy around EGD, we focused on a range of voices and perspectives, such as:

• Indigenous communities have unique knowledge and experiences that are essential for building a sustainable future.
• Low-income and disadvantaged communities are often disproportionately affected by environmental issues and may face barriers to participating in decision-making processes due to economic or social factors.
• People with disabilities may face physical or institutional barriers to participating in decision-making processes around environmental issues.
• Young people are the future of our planet and have a unique perspective on environmental issues.

These groups are often excluded from decision-making processes due to, for example, age or challenges faced due to language barriers or social exclusion. The list of marginalised groups above is not exhaustive, and the discussion should aim to be as comprehensive as possible to ensure as many groups are accounted for as possible.

When it took place: 22nd of June, 2023, from 5 to 6pm, CET.  

Watch again

https://youtube.com/live/dxaE01yRFMk