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The ability of any individual or social group to participate meaningfully in political and policymaking processes is a fundamental recognized human right — and a powerful way to advance the voices of those most affected by climate change, social inequality and loss of nature.

Public participation plays a vital role in shaping equitable and responsive climate, nature and social policies

According to a global survey conducted by the United Nations, the majority of the population want their countries to strengthen commitments to address climate change. Public support for greater climate mitigation is even more evident when the public is better informed and policies are well-communicated and perceived as fair across society.

Importantly, participation should occur at all stages of the policy cycle — from policy formulation and budgeting to implementation and the monitoring of policy impacts. Engaging the public early in the development of environmental policies can help build broad-based support and legitimacy, enhancing the effectiveness and implementation of those policies.

While many countries have embedded statutory public participation requirements, these opportunities may be late stage or unsubstantial in nature, not inclusive of socially marginalized groups, or may lack mechanisms to ensure feedback receives consideration or a response. Effective public participation may also be limited when not all groups have access to the same information, or when organized interests are able to join decision-making spaces or have a strong influence over decision-makers.
 

Greater engagement with civil society and deliberative decision-making are necessary to correct downward trends

While the concept of “meaningful” public participation is inherently subjective and difficult to quantify, a carefully selected set of indicators — tracking both participatory processes and their broader enabling environment — provides valuable insights.

For instance, the World Justice Project assesses whether there are active and effective civic participation mechanisms in place — an indicator that shows substantial room for improvement in most countries surveyed and is heading in the wrong direction. In addition to this broader measurement, it is critical to take into account to what extent women and women’s groups are able to meaningfully participate in civil society.

The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute provides further insight by assessing whether policymakers routinely consult with civil society organizations on policies relevant to their work. In 2024, V-Dem found this to be the case in just 20% of the surveyed countries, down from 23% in 2020.

Despite these downward trends, the recent resurgence of deliberative decision-making has shown some potential in generating publicly supported policies and greater engagement. This includes, for instance, “climate assemblies,” through which members of the public can learn from experts, deliberate on problems and solutions and provide recommendations directly to policymakers.
 

Downward trends in free and fair elections further spark concerns

It is also important to assess the extent to which elections are free from violence and corruption and whether they are governed by an independent authority that has sufficient staff and resources. These factors influence participation in the democratic process and determine whether social movements can gain electoral power to enact policies that benefit people, nature and climate.

Many of these factors are captured by V-Dem’s Clean Elections Index, which also assesses issues such as vote buying, registration fraud and government intimidation of the opposition. As of 2024, the Clean Elections Index was declining in 25 countries, highlighting a broader trend of global democratic backsliding.
 


The indicators presented in this shift are all directional, with an increasing trend indicating improvements in various aspects of public participation. While there are no specified global targets or timeframes, robust and effective citizen engagement in policymaking can only be realized if these key measures of public participation show rapid improvement.

Tracking progress on global outcomes

Key enablers and barriers to change

Other shift Other shifts needed to transform the system

Enable a safe and secure environment for workers, civil society and communities

Equitable systems change is impossible without respect for human rights and civil liberties. These rights set the foundation for all people to access essential services, live in a safe and healthy environment, and participate fully in governance.

Ensure transparency and access to information

Transparency and access to information are essential for effective government coordination, meaningful participation from civil society and building international trust and cooperation.

Guarantee access to justice

An independent, impartial and accessible justice system is a critical tool for individuals and communities to protect their rights and obtain justice.

Promote government accountability and anti-corruption measures

To implement ambitious policies effectively and mobilize public finance for climate, nature and equity, governments must follow through on commitments and enforce laws consistently — even for those with political and economic power.

Strengthen government capacity to implement commitments fairly and effectively

Governments should build their capacity to collect tax revenues fairly, secure their borders effectively and maintain skilled bureaucracies that can plan, coordinate, regulate and adapt to new information and technology.