KNOCA Guidance Launch - From Projects to Permanence: How to embed Permanent Assembly Infrastructure

A small but growing trend of more permanent citizens’ assembly infrastructure is emerging that moves us beyond common ad hoc assembly processes. A small number of these permanent assembly infrastructures are specifically climate focused, although most have a broader policy agenda. ‘From Projects to Permanence’ is the first guidance on how to move from ad hoc processes to embed permanent citizens’ assembly infrastructure.  

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The guidance distinguishes between two different approaches to permanent infrastructure. The East Belgium Permanent Citizens’ Dialogue is the most well-known example, empowered to work on any area of policy that falls within the competence of the regional government. The permanent assemblies in the Brussels Capital Region and, more recently, South Korea follow a similar pathway within climate governance. An alternative approach is the creation of a permanent specialised agency or unit that delivers ad hoc citizens’ assemblies or similar deliberative processes. Examples range from the Agency for Public Participation in Baden-Württemberg through to the Regional Participation Agency in Tuscany.  

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The guidance considers why we should be interested in permanent bodies and the different approaches that have been taken. It then analyses the conditions that need to be in place for permanency, including key design choices, political commitment and support, bureaucratic capacity and capability, legal framework, and narratives and storylines. Finally, the guidance considers some of the first steps that can be taken towards developing permanent citizens’ assembly infrastructure.

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We'll be joined by Dr. Nabila Abbas, Yves Dejaeghere and Graham Smith, authors of From Projects to Permanence: How to Embed Permanent Assembly Infrastructure, who will present the key elements of the guidance and answer any burning questions.

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