How to organize a citizens’ assembly on climate in Portugal

Step-by-step guide to organize a citizens' assembly on climate in Portugal with real-world examples and practical tools.

This guide offers a practical roadmap for organizing a citizens' assembly on Climate in Portugal or other Portuguese-speaking contexts. It presents key steps including purpose definition, political commitment, participant recruitment through random selection, facilitation, working sessions, and follow-up. The process emphasizes inclusivity, neutrality, and transparency, enabling citizens — especially non-activists — to deliberate on climate issues and produce public policy recommendations. Examples from France, Italy, and Portugal illustrate real-world applications. The guide also highlights the need for independent evaluation and robust communication strategies to ensure legitimacy, public engagement, and political responsiveness. It is a valuable tool for governments, NGOs, and facilitators seeking to implement deliberative democratic processes around climate action.

Source: Zero.
Author information: Manuel Arriaga, Roberto Falanga, Susana Militão
Language: Portuguese

Year of publication: 2023