Citizen Deliberation Academy for Mutual Training and Learning

Empowering Citizen Participation: The REAL DEAL Citizen Deliberation Academy (CDA) Report

Summary of Key Findings and Innovations

The Citizen Deliberation Academy (CDA) is a proposed long-term training and learning platform designed to enhance deliberative democracy in climate governance. The REAL DEAL project developed the CDA concept through extensive stakeholder engagement, surveys, and pilot programs, identifying key gaps in citizen participation training.

Key Takeaways from the Report

1. The Need for a Dedicated Deliberation Academy

   • Existing training institutions lack structured, practical education in deliberative democracy and citizen assemblies.
   • Stakeholder surveys confirmed strong demand for a formalized learning platform covering citizen engagement, policy impact, and facilitation techniques.
   • The CDA will provide structured training to practitioners, campaigners, and academics working on the European Green Deal.

2. Core Features and Educational Model
   The Academy will consist of:

   • Foundational Resources – A Digital Resource Library and Citizen Deliberation Knowledge Base with case studies, best practices, and policy guides.
   • Interactive Learning – Live events, co-created e-learning courses, and community engagement.
   • Practical Training – A Young Leaders Programme, micro-credentials, and capstone projects to apply deliberation skills in real-world policymaking.
   • Hybrid Learning Formats – Both online and in-person engagement to ensure accessibility.

3. Policy and Institutional Framework

   • Nine consortium partners, including universities, research institutes, and CSOs, have committed to supporting the CDA.
   • A Steering Committee will oversee strategic direction and funding efforts.
   • The Academy will be embedded within a legal framework and may evolve into an independent institution.

Training Focus Areas

The CDA curriculum will emphasize:

• Deliberative Democracy Principles – Best practices for citizen assemblies and participatory governance.
• Facilitation & Inclusive Design – Ensuring diverse, accessible, and representative participation.
• Policy Impact & Engagement – Equipping citizens with the skills to influence policymakers effectively.
• Digital & Hybrid Engagement – Leveraging online platforms and digital tools for wider outreach.

Next Steps and Future Development

The Academy’s success depends on securing long-term funding and building a broad network of participants. Future plans include:

• Expanding training modules to address climate justice, gender equality, and marginalized communities.
• Developing partnerships with EU institutions to institutionalize citizen deliberation in governance.
• Launching the first pilot courses by integrating CDA content into existing European deliberation initiatives.

Conclusion

The Citizen Deliberation Academy (CDA) will be a groundbreaking initiative in participatory democracy, empowering citizens to shape European climate policy. By bridging the gap between scientific expertise, policymakers, and the public, it promises to transform climate governance through inclusive, well-informed decision-making.

Find out more about the REAL DEAL project