From 4 to 8 December 2024, the School on Participatory Democracy held its Athens edition, bringing together civil servants and CSO representatives from Greece to explore the theory and practice of participatory policymaking.
Organised by the Division of Democratic Institutions and Civil Society of the Council of Europe, n cooperation with Andreas Papandreo Foundation and Symbiosis SPS, and the support of the Helenic Adult Eduction Association and the Symi Network, this edition was designed as an immersive and dynamic learning experience.
Under the theme “Engage Citizens in Local Decision-Making!”, the Athens edition offered a mix of presentations, interactive workshops, case studies, and discussions. The programme introduced participants to key Council of Europe instruments, including the Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation and the Civil Participation in Decision-Making Toolkit, and specific tools such as CivicLab, UChange, Citizens’ Assemblies, Participatory Public Space Planning and DECIDIM.
The Council of Europe School on Participatory Democracy is a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening the principles and practices of participatory and deliberative democracy across Europe. By equipping public authorities and civil society organisations (CSOs) with the skills and tools to engage citizens in decision-making, the School promotes inclusive governance and builds trust between institutions and communities.
Through interactive learning, the programme introduces participants to Council of Europe standards, innovative tools, and best practices in citizen engagement.
Each edition of the School focuses on creating a network of practitioners who can apply these principles in their local contexts while contributing to a broader European movement for participatory democracy.
School on Participatory Democracy – Athens, 4-8 December 2024 – REPORT
- Council of Europe School on Participatory Democracy Discover the concept, objectives, and standards of participatory democracy.
- Speaker: Cornelia Perle – 01_Council of Europe Standards and Tools
- Participatory Democracy in the Greek Context Explore the unique challenges and opportunities for participatory democracy in Greece.
- Speakers: Alexis Kokkos – 02_PDS_Kokkos – 03_PDS_Deligiannis – 04_PDS_EETAA
- The Council of Europe Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation – Learn about the key principles and practical applications of civil participation.
- Speaker: Daniele Del Bianco – 05_PDS_Code of Good Practice
- Civil Participation in Decision Making Toolkit Dive into the tools and strategies for effective civil participation.
- Speaker: Ramona Velea – 06_PDS_CPToolkit
- CivicLab Consultation Tool Discover an innovative methodology for fostering inclusive consultations.
- Speaker: Dako Muradashvili – 07_PDS_CivicLab
- UChange Game Methodology Engage with this dynamic participatory tool through simulation and hands-on learning.
- Speaker: Mellis Türker – 08_PDS_UChange
- Citizens’ Assemblies Learn how to design and apply citizens’ assemblies for inclusive policymaking.
- Speaker: Nabila Abbas – 09_PDS_CitAssemblies
- Public Consultations and Citizen Engagement in Public Space Planning Explore strategies to effectively engage citizens in shaping public spaces.
- Speaker: Natalya Chernogub – 10_PDS_PartPubPlan
- DECIDIM Discover the opportunities of this digital platform for empowering citizen participation.
- Speaker: Ljubisa Vrencev – 11_PDS_DECIDIM
